Won't start sometimes...

[northerner]

Originally Posted by Super Ace-K

okay, another update. It's nothing to do with gears as i've been starting car each time in N for neutral. Narrowed the problem down and its simply a heating issue. If the engine is hot it wont start and notice the twin fans aren't kicking in, they start and stop. So i have to wait for engine to cool down before it starts again which has left me stranded in places up to half an hour.

Any advice?

The starting has nothing to do with the fans I wired in. They have fused and relayed power and are not in anyway linked to the starting system. They are activated via a temp switch I installed in the thermostat housing.
I'm almost certain your problem is fueling

[Super Ace-K]

Yeah thats what I mean, i think there may be a loose wire with the fans as they aren't kicking in when the engine gets hot. I opened the bonnet last night and it was like opening an oven, looked to the fans and they weren't spinning. Anytime i've got into car after driving it for a while, say calling into the shop, when I get back in and try to start the engine, it wont until its cooled down which takes 15-20 mins of sitting as everytime it eventually starts the temperature guage is down below the middle.

[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.