The bolt i touched on the starter was the one nearest the top. Going to check it again just to be sure. 

Also, found this:

https://www.cartech-one.co.uk/en/product/3644842-bestprice-starter-motor/v-1599?itm_campaign=linked_by_search

Will this be okay if i need to replace the starter or does anyone else know of another?

Thanks guys. Girls. However you self identify. Thanks to all. 

That starter motor looks okay. I found a remanufactured starter for 1.3 that was only a fiver less.

 

It also appears to have the brass bush that goes in the gearbox on end of shaft. Replacing the bush is sensible.

Getting old one out can be awkward. I used threaded bar and a cable tie.

 

 

 

 

Yeah i did the one on my old breadvan. Was character building! Especially finding out i had the wrong one! Got the old one off, had 3 terminals, new one only had 2! 

Thanks dude. I'm hoping to get chance to check it properly tomorrow. Couldn't see for sure where i had the probe as air filter housing was in the way. I got 2 different readings. One was 12.2, which i'm pretty sure was the right terminal, (big bolt on top,) and other reading was 1.2, which i'm not entirely sure what it came from, so will recheck to be sure. Had key turned so electrics were on but not so engine was on. 

The 8mm stud at to top is permanent 12v from battery (and 14v from alternator once running).

 

1.2 volt is weird. Would think it would be zero unless cranking the engine that sends current to starter solenoid.

Might there be a resistor lead to drop voltage to the coil to 11volts ish - old design saves points.

But you now have electronic ignition right?

What year Polo?

 

 

 

 

 

Edited 17 January, 20206 yr by dvderlm

I need to recheck as i did it in a rush. The battery check was accurate, so long as i had the key in the right position, electrics on but not engine, but i can't say i 100% got the correct terminal on the starter. I'm fairly certain but really need to recheck properly. 

I do have electronic ignition in place.

Car is 1983, but the early one. With awkward parts! 

I didn't/wasn't able to test the starter while cranking the engine but will do that when i do the recheck.

key needs to be in crank not just on ...like i said can be checked from above easily

Thanks guys. Will be sure to do that when i recheck.

Kay. Rechecked today, cranked the car while i tested the battery AND again while i tested the starter. 

Battery got 12.3 when turned key to just on, and same while cranking. 

Starter was same. 12.3 while cranking. No noise at all from anywhere. 

Am i looking at a dead starter? Terminals all look clear from what i can see. They're old but not corroded or gunk spattered.

so youve not tested the solenoid wire?

Turned out to be earth cable! Where it's attached at the base of the cam belt cover, the bolt was loose, thread was chewed up. Ran jump cable from battery negative to engine and it fired up first time!!!!!!! Think i'll stick to flipping meat for a living!!!!

Thank you very much for the help and guidance guys. I got there in the end. X

easy then

 

id suggest you replace those earths now you see how important they are , should be able to some made to length from ebay , get the fattest ones you can find and nice clean bolts , do the one near the alternator and fit one from coil bracket to the gearbox 

Thanks for the heads up on those cables. Will get them sorted out. Replaced the one from the engine mount to block with a new one already, will measure up and get the gearbox one in place. Are they the only ones i need? Battery negative to wing, engine block to chassis and the currently missing, coil to gearbox?

 

yes thats all....fattest cable you can find ideally

Not fat. It's power! 

6 hours ago, steveo3002 said:

yes thats all....fattest cable you can find ideally

Out of interest when you say the fattest cable you mean thicker than existing cable ? 

 

If so what or have you changed them for please as in thickness etc.

 

Thank you.

yes thicker than whats on there , mine is 4 gauge about as thick as my finger

 

all im saying is you cant go too big 

I've found some rated for 500amp, listed for use on trucks. 

Fleabay item number 262854210868

Would the heavier gauge cable be more reliable? 

While i'm here, i'll be replacing the cam cover gasket, does anyone put anything on thiers when they do it or leave them dry?

id fit it dry ...no harm in a thin smear of sealant but dont cake it on thick so globs fall off and go inside the engine , and dont overtighten the bolts

1 hour ago, Eviljohn said:

I've found some rated for 500amp, listed for use on trucks. 

Fleabay item number 262854210868

Would the heavier gauge cable be more reliable? 

 

That cable is way too thick and heavy it's 95sq mm or about 30mm diameter, you want something no bigger than 35sq mm or 10mm diameter 

14 hours ago, Eviljohn said:

While i'm here, i'll be replacing the cam cover gasket, does anyone put anything on thiers when they do it or leave them dry?

 

As per Steveo's advice I smeared just a smidge of silicone gasket around the most leak-prone areas of my cam cover gasket (the corners, especially where it has to leap up and over the two ends of the cam) and haven't had a drip all year.

I have some hylomar blue in my shed. Would a very small amount of that do the trick? 

14 hours ago, nige8021 said:

 

That cable is way too thick and heavy it's 95sq mm or about 30mm diameter, you want something no bigger than 35sq mm or 10mm diameter 

I'll have a look for something smaller. 

Thanks guys. 

yes hylomar would do it ...just the thinnest smear 

 

something like this should do ...clean the mounting surfaces, then a smear of grease on top once fitted  

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/240-Amp-Car-Battery-Power-Earth-Cable-Choose-Colour-Length-Terminal-Hole-Sizes/322805522770?hash=item4b28b56152:m:mfnr2qo9wiId5yt0pTgD3Bg

Edited 23 January, 20206 yr by steveo3002

Ooh i can even choose my hole size! Suit you Sir! 

If i remember correctly from an old thread on here, someone else did the cam cover bolts finger tight and then a 1/4 turn with a socket? 

Think hylomar blue is probly the best thing i already have to hand so i'll go with that.

Thanks guys.