My 3200 GT hard to start

[Trev Latter]

If you've already changed the battery, chances are that it is the starter if you've already ruled out bad connections on the battery and earth leads to the engine. A poor engine earth could cause the starter to not engage and turn the engine over as you've described. Easy way to check is to connect a heavy duty jump lead to the engine block and directly to the battery negative terminal. If it all fires up as it should, you'll at least know where to start looking. Have you checked the battery voltage whilst the engine is cranking? (or at least trying to). I've known Optima batteries to suddenly fail without warning before, so I wouldn't just assume it's ok without making sure first.

 

[Alecci]

A quick update to the thread, starter was replaced with a new one and now finally everything works! My heartfelt thanks to all of you who have contributed to this thread and assisted me in solving the issues.

 

[StuartW]

Congratulations, excellent news that you're back mobile again - happy days

 

[jluis]

Will be replacing mine this week/weekend.
Any recomendations or caveats to look for?

 

[Alecci]

There's a guide on here that I followed when it came to disassembly and re-assembly on the starter itself (bought the alternative part from eBay). I had already replaced the knocking sensors myself prior to that, so already knew the preceding and subsequent steps quite well.

One tip would be to keep track of the vacuum hoses at the rear end of the intake, if they are mixed up it's a minor PITA to sort them out again. It also helps to have an assistant hold the intake for you when loosening the hose underneath, but I sorted this myself as well. Additionally, be careful when loosening the insex bolt holding down the head, they are prone to being messed up (at least mine were as they were pulled too tight previously I think) and I replaced a few of them in the process.

I also replaced all washers during these operation, and I would personally recommend you to replace the two washers holding the earth wires to the starter.

 

[davy83]

it is also worth looking at the short hoses in there as these get brittle. The big cover under the plenum chamber comes loose and its worth fitting a new gasket and put loctite on the screws that hold it in place. Be careful of the ground straps which pick up two of the starter motor mounting bolts, and these fall off when the starter is removed so make sure they go back!

 

[Alecci]

Good point there Davy, I replaced those hoses when I did my knocking sensors.

 

[Contigo]

Well happy for you Alecci and glad you stuck with it through testing times. I've had mine over 2 years and the 1st year was fraught with the usual TB DBW woes, since then I have ironed them all out and just had the odd niggly little thing. I can honestly say I have had no other car like this and I love driving it. Did 200 miles in it yesterday and loved every one of them. Guy in petrol station came over and asked what it was and asked to take pics of it.

 

[dem maser]

Guy in petrol station came over and asked what it was and asked to take pics of it.

I miss mine...had that many times...makes you feel like a superstar

 

[Contigo]

Chris a mate of mine was with me yesterday and he said "They're just not the same without boomerangs" and I agree. If I ever sold mine I'd miss them way too much! Dilemma!

 

[Spartacus]

Chris a mate of mine was with me yesterday and he said "They're just not the same without boomerangs" and I agree. If I ever sold mine I'd miss them way too much! Dilemma!

nope your right , they are nt the same without boomerangs . They Don t break down with out them ;P

 

[jluis]

nope your right , they are nt the same without boomerangs . They Don t break down with out them ;P

Did you already changed your F1 relay? Might screw your pump and leave you standed somewhere