Won't start sometimes...

[northerner]

The temp switch is activated at 90 degree's ie when the temp is roughly in the middle of the gauge. Even if the engine was hot it should start. To rule out the fans which I'm certain is not the fault, I've got a few of the standard water pump bolted fans. If you sort me out the postage, I could send you one.

[Dr Silvia]

You still havent stated wether the engine cranks over or not or wether its a click then silence. If its a click then silence you need to replace the starter motor, end of.

[Super Ace-K]

it's a click then silence but even at that, it runs absolutely fine when it's a cold start and when the needle went above the middle i looked at fans and they weren't spinning? Just seems odd that when it does start the needle for temp is at the low end.

Will I just bring it to a mechanic and ask for a new starter motor?

[Dr Silvia]

Which demonstrates that heat is screwing the motor in some way imho. AFAIK theres no thermal inhibitor that prevents starting.

[Super Ace-K]

hmm well if the heat is screwing the motor surely it'd just do the same to a new starter motor?

[Dr Silvia]

not nescessarily, heat can exacerbate issues in old parts.

I am assuming the click you describe is coming from under the inlet manifold where the solenoid is.

Because the solenoid and starter are wired in series, if the solenoid is clicking and the starter isnt turning diagnosis is pretty straightforward.

[Magical Trevor]

Super ace ive been having the same problem won't start if the engine is warm etc. My dad took the starter to bits and cleaned it up It worked fine for weeks but its back again Horrible feeling knowing that your gonna be stranded lol. Anyway ive been advised by some mechanics including my dad (and now Dr Silvia!) That the soliniod is to blame.

So i thought ill just buy a new starter motor, that way ive got a new shiney bit. So i tryed to buy a new one through the nissan parts department in my work, only to find out that they no longer make them anymore so are no longer disturbuted . But the still make the soliniod unit it should cost you about £53 quid odd from a nissan parts dept. Mines is on order from amsterdam, hope this helps.

M.T

[northerner]

Just get one from an S13 as I'm sure they are they same. I bluebird/sunny twin cam might be the same also

[Dr Silvia]

or the scrapheap; yes they arent new but some yards will have tested units on the shelf which area damn sight cheaper than the auto factors. Beinga distress part [something you only buy when its broke] getting opne new will always cost arms and legs