Slow starting, as from a weak battery or poor connection, is hard on the
starter. The commutator can build up a layer of oxide that then further
reduces current, even after the battery is fixed. If your starter is like
the one on my TR4A, you can remove a cover over the brushes and check the
commutator. It should be bright and shiny. If dull, remove the starter and
disassemble it (not very difficult but pay attention so you can get it back
together correctly, especially the brushes). Polish the commutator with
crocus cloth to get a bright coppery shine. This made a big difference on
my car.
Alan Crane
67 TR4A
>All;
>
>I have been fighting a nagging electrical problem on my '78 Spitfire.
>When the car was stored last year it had a brand new SEARS Diehard
>battery. I charged it periodically during the idle time ( 6 months ).
>Now that the car is running again it turns over veery slowly and
>barely starts. The alternator did have a loose wire, the wire appears
>to go to the warning light circuit. Fixed it last night. The battery
>was charged overnight and still the car starts hard.
>
>Other things done : cleaned battery, topped off water in cells,
>replaced all battery cables, cleaned alternator connectors, checked for
>slow drain ( 14 miliamps I think ) removed all fuses and got same
>results.
>
>I am going to be re-locating the battery to the trunk soon and go to a
>bigger size, but hate to kill it.
>
>Chris in Utah
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