Well as it says, I got home tonight and the 80 won't start. It is NOT the batteries, they are fine and all four connections are solid. When I tun the key, I get a Schuuump noise like a piston in a tube. The lights don't dim and it doesn't buzz, clack or anything else. So, to me it sounds like the solenoid is activating, but there's no power going across the copper terminals to the main motor. It did this after an off road session last month. I took the thing off, had a look at the solenoid and it was spotless but the contacts were very burned. I think that this is a symptom of 24v start and an engine that fires on the turn of the key - the contacts spend so little time together that they spark and erode rather then clamp together firmly. I cleaned the contacts back to shiny copper so it can't be that in one week. I know little about the change over relay but I am starting to think that this is a 24v starter trying to turn on 12v. Yes, I have knocked the thing with a hammer (1960's style) and it has made no difference. Was deeply off road on Sunday and jet washed the engine as you do. Not moved it since then. Went back to it just now and the drive threw in very weakly a couple of times but never reached the starter ring.
So any words of wisdom chaps? No, It's not the batteries. Change over relay? I really don't suspect the actual starter motor if I'm honest.
Chris
So any words of wisdom chaps? No, It's not the batteries. Change over relay? I really don't suspect the actual starter motor if I'm honest.
Chris