Mondial starter

I know this has been gone over before, but I am trying to get this 1990 Mondial to start reliably. It seems that, usually when hot, turning the key to start only gets a light click at the solenoid. When the problem was occuring, the voltage to the solenoid was 6.3v, out of the ignition switch, 9.3v, into the ignition switch, 10.2v. At the time, the battery was a little low from having the door open for an hour or two. There does not seem to a voltage drop between the battery and the engine. If I put the battery charger on the battery, it usually will start. I assume there is a connector in the solenoid wire between the switch and the solenoid, but I cannot find it. Does anyone know where it is? The starter has been replaced twice, and the battery is not that old. Any thoughts?
Thanks, Mike

 

Thats a huge voltage drop you have at the solenoid!! Have you checked power to the starter relay to see how many volts you have there? Have you checked all wiring/connections? Are they corroded/dirty/loose ect???

 

I'm interested in this also. I have a 328 that normally starts fine unless its hot. Quite often there is no reaction to turning the key - not even a click from the solenoid. If I turn off any ancillaries like fan or AC or even radio then it starts. Makes me think its something to do with voltage to the starter solenoid like eurogt4 has suggested. I'm wondering if its simply the solenoid sticking somehow when hot and there being insufficient voltage to get it moving. Is there any way of cleaning these things out? Also I assume that changing the starter motor won't do it as the solenoid is not necessarily changed at the same time right?

Cheers

Mark

 

The solenoid is actually part of the starter motor Mark. If you replace the starter, you get a new solenoid attached. They can be removed, 2 bolts at the top of the starter, but usually cant be opened to clean the contacts in there. They normally are a sealed unit. Although some can be opened and repaired. They are cheaper to just replace. But if you replace the starter motor with new, then it comes with a new solenoid mate.
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

As I remember, any auto electrical outfit can fix your starter.
but use, BOSCH Solenoid # 396334 (from a five series BMW) for the 308 308QV.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My cost total for a rebuild and new BOSCH solenoid was Only $65.00 USA.

BOSCH Solenoid # 396334
Accurate Solenoid (alternative model) # 4-725

Ciao,

 

These voltage drops are too high, are you taking these readings from a common -ve gnd point? If not your readings maybe affected because your grounds are at different potentials. Maybe worth cleaning all your ground connections.
Q. Doesn't the starter have one directly to chassis rail ground? My Mondi has
and was corroded.

Mike

 

The alternative to the hot start problem is to utilise the additional seats with friends. They become useful when the car refuses to start.

I had this problem but my mechanic changed the cabling to a thicker cable to reduce the resitance and hence now starts when its warm.

edit
Also remember that there is quite a way for the current to travel - battery in front engine at back
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Keep jumper cables with me and make sure I am with friends or family with their own car. (1986 3.2 Cab here)

Is there a single comprehesive thread on this subject, since winter seems to be approaching quickly in the NE this sounds like my winter project to sort out.

 

I had the same problem with my Mondial 8, especially when it was warm. I removed the starter and took it an automotive electrical repair shop. They bench checked it determined that the solenoid was bad. The fix was with an off-the-shelf BOSCH part, like the one that 350HPMondial quoted.

I never had a problem after that.

 

That's a great picture! Passion in action!