I have been experiencing a problem for a while with my A4 being hard to start.
If I use starting fluid it instantly fires right up and runs like a top. But to get it started without starting fluid takes excessive cranking. I read in another thread this morning that maybe the choke is not closing all the way?
The hard starting has led to another issue. I believe the starter or solenoid is overheating as it takes a series of long cranks (unless I use the starting fluid) to get it to start. After 3 or 4 long cranks (yes, I am aware of the raw water siphoning issue) the starter will not work. No click, no sound. When the ignition key is engaged the amperage is dropping like it should so the current is being drawn to the starter. It is simply stuck. After it cools down for a few minutes the starter works again.
I am thinking the starter is overheating and getting stuck due to the excessive cranking.
So here is the bottom line...if I can get the engine to start normally (quickly) as she used to do, do I still need to replace the starter?
Also, any other thoughts on the hard-to-start issue other than the choke?
By the way, I gave it a major tune up a few weeks ago to try to correct the hard starting but it did not help (replaced the distributor cap, rotor, plugs, plug wires and adjusted timing...she purrs once she starts).
Here's an oddball thought...the other day my toilet vent needed replacing as it was clogged. I replaced all of the vents during a major refit 5-6 years ago. If the fuel vent is also clogged this could cause a slight siphon effect pulling the fuel backwards towards the tank that the mechanical fuel pump can overcome once it is running. I know that is an "out there" thought but...
I am going to check the choke to make sure it is closing all the way.
Any thoughts/advice is always appreciated. Mike S/V Plan Sea
If I use starting fluid it instantly fires right up and runs like a top. But to get it started without starting fluid takes excessive cranking. I read in another thread this morning that maybe the choke is not closing all the way?
The hard starting has led to another issue. I believe the starter or solenoid is overheating as it takes a series of long cranks (unless I use the starting fluid) to get it to start. After 3 or 4 long cranks (yes, I am aware of the raw water siphoning issue) the starter will not work. No click, no sound. When the ignition key is engaged the amperage is dropping like it should so the current is being drawn to the starter. It is simply stuck. After it cools down for a few minutes the starter works again.
I am thinking the starter is overheating and getting stuck due to the excessive cranking.
So here is the bottom line...if I can get the engine to start normally (quickly) as she used to do, do I still need to replace the starter?
Also, any other thoughts on the hard-to-start issue other than the choke?
By the way, I gave it a major tune up a few weeks ago to try to correct the hard starting but it did not help (replaced the distributor cap, rotor, plugs, plug wires and adjusted timing...she purrs once she starts).
Here's an oddball thought...the other day my toilet vent needed replacing as it was clogged. I replaced all of the vents during a major refit 5-6 years ago. If the fuel vent is also clogged this could cause a slight siphon effect pulling the fuel backwards towards the tank that the mechanical fuel pump can overcome once it is running. I know that is an "out there" thought but...
I am going to check the choke to make sure it is closing all the way.
Any thoughts/advice is always appreciated. Mike S/V Plan Sea
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