Rover 75 2.0 V6 saloon won't start after 8 months

[stocktake]

You need to supply power to the spade whilst the starter is fitted, this will give the correct load on the starter, it is quite possible the contact on the solenoid is making a poor connection and not supplying enough grunt to turn against the resistance of the engine.
The fault shown in the video is almost certainly a worn solenoid that sometimes makes good contact and sometimes it doesn't. It is the exact same symptoms mine showed when the solenoid was worn.

[Landmann]

Originally Posted by stocktake

You need to supply power to the spade whilst the starter is fitted, this will give the correct load on the starter, it is quite possible the contact on the solenoid is making a poor connection and not supplying enough grunt to turn against the resistance of the engine.
The fault shown in the video is almost certainly a worn solenoid that sometimes makes good contact and sometimes it doesn't. It is the exact same symptoms mine showed when the solenoid was worn.

Thanks @stocktake - then I'll put the starter back and try once more with correct load.

I'll be back

[COLVERT]

Originally Posted by SD1too

But it might be an immobiliser problem Jon. Best to measure first before diving in ....

Simon

I think you'll find Simon that a direct power supply to the small spade terminal on the starter motor bypasses any immobiliser.

This extra power supply will trigger the solenoid if it is in good condition inside.--( The engine will then turn over. )

[COLVERT]

Originally Posted by Landmann

Updates, but no progress towards engine running.

1. Just to be 100% sure I removed the starter motor from the engine. The minus to the body, plus to the main current cable and a stripped wire from the spade connector and to plus. The starter motor ran fast as h...orse. So both the battery (tried in another car) and the starter motor is 100% OK.

2. The engine is not seized. I can turn it quit easily by hand.

And the sound when I try to start sounds, like mentioned earlier, as in this video https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RE1zOT01t48#searching

So guys, what to do next - any suggestions please

What is happening in this video is what usually happens if there is a poor connection between the battery and the bodywork of the car. The electrical contact that makes the dash lights work is not good enough to carry the amount of power demanded by the starter motor. ( about 150 amps. )

It could be where the battery cable earths to the car and engine or a poor connection inside the cable ends that attach to the battery pillars. ( Lead sulphate inside the cable ends.)

Somewhere you have a connection but a poor one. Look for rust or corrosion on one of the heavy cable ends.

[Landmann]

Originally Posted by COLVERT

What is happening in this video is what usually happens if there is a poor connection between the battery and the bodywork of the car. The electrical contact that makes the dash lights work is not good enough to carry the amount of power demanded by the starter motor. ( about 150 amps. )

It could be where the battery cable earths to the car and engine or a poor connection inside the cable ends that attach to the battery pillars. ( Lead sulphate inside the cable ends.)

Somewhere you have a connection but a poor one. Look for rust or corrosion on one of the heavy cable ends.

...because...

Case is closed, problem fixed - and the poor mans Jaguar is running like he or she should do and sound.

[Landmann]

I can't tell exactly what was the problem, but when i removed the starter I felt that the bolts were not as hard to loosen that I expected. I used sandpaper and brushed the minus cable end spitshine. Then I gave the part of the starterbody connected to the clutchbellhouse a good brush. I loosened the plus cable end and made it shine - and finally the spade connector.

Then 10 Ave Maria to the south, and finally three Thor and Odin way up north - and wrooooom.

Thank you for reading and helping.

[COLVERT]

Very good news.---I looks like my post 24 was pretty close to the mark.---

[stocktake]

Originally Posted by COLVERT

Very good news.---I looks like my post 24 was pretty close to the mark.---

Oh so modest Jon

Glad its sorted

[SD1too]

Originally Posted by COLVERT

I looks like my post 24 was pretty close to the mark.---

Congratulations Jon for your winning suggestion!

Originally Posted by COLVERT

I think you'll find Simon that a direct power supply to the small spade terminal on the starter motor bypasses any immobiliser.

Of course Jon, you are absolutely right. Both your method (direct power supply) and mine (voltage measurement) are valid.

Simon

[COLVERT]

Originally Posted by stocktake

Oh so modest Jon

Glad its sorted

I'm too old and don't have time to be modest.---I'm 83 on Sunday week.---