Discussion:
Slow cranking and starter doesn't stop after cleaning battery clamps

Hi, back again after finding out why the engine wasn't turning over last time (starter motor brushes hadn't been replaced) - All fitted but there are some weird things going on!!

Firstly, the engine was turning over really slowly as if the battery was flat. Stuck a new battery on it and it was still the same, bypassed the thick cable from the battery to the starter with another cable and it was still the same. Cleaned up the earth cable to the block and it was still the same. I then stripped both the cables back to expose some fresh copper cable and re-clamped them all etc which brought on another problem listed below.

I know all the hydraulic fluid was lost when I took the starter motor off the previous times, would this prevent the engine from turning fast as the starter sits in a bath of fluid which I haven't refilled yet in case it needs to come off again?

Now to the other problem... I cleaned the clamps up on the battery leads and threaded some new copper cable through the clamps just in case. I reconnected them both and turned the key, the engine kept turning over slowly as it was before however when turning the key off the engine kept turning over. Now every time I connect the positive battery cable, the engine turns over straight away.

Checked all the fuses, checked for any cables touching on the solenoid but nothing - I can probably sort the second one out as had it happen before and it was weirdly a loose connection but thought I'd mention it just in case!
  • Posted 11 Mar 2017 03:23
  • By DUK90
  • joined 25 Feb'17 - 3 messages
  • Derbyshire, United Kingdom
Showing items 1 - 2 of 2 results.
Yeah it even still runs on with the fuse removed from the ignition and even the ignition wire removed. Will have to remove it again and take it back.
  • Posted 11 Mar 2017 20:20
  • By DUK90
  • joined 25 Feb'17 - 3 messages
  • Derbyshire, United Kingdom
Sounds like your starter has a major problem. If it was turning slow and drawing excessive current it could have make the contacts in the solenoid to overheat, weld, and stick on. Remove the little wires from the solenoid and if the starter still wants to run when you connect the battery, the starter needs repair.
  • Posted 11 Mar 2017 08:19
  • By mrfixit
  • joined 11 Dec'08 - 1,434 messages
  • New York, United States

Post your Reply

Forkliftaction accepts no responsibility for forum content and requires forum participants to adhere to our rules of conduct. Click here for more information.

If you are having trouble using the Discussion Forums, please contact us for help.

Toplift Ferrari TFC36-48
Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada
Used - Sale
USD1
Taylor T520S
Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, United States
Used - Sale & Hire
Global Industry News
edition #1252 - 16 October 2025
In this week’s Forkliftaction News , we report on the GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index which shows Asian supply chains are at their busiest since June 2022 while the US and Europe’s supply chains remain under-utilised. One of the report authors describes the situation as being “as stable as it’s going to get”... Continue reading
Global Industry News
edition #1252 - 16 October 2025
In this week’s Forkliftaction News , we report on the GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index which shows Asian supply chains are at their busiest since June 2022 while the US and Europe’s supply chains remain under-utilised. One of the report authors describes the situation as being “as stable as it’s going to get”... Continue reading

PREMIUM business

Lift Tek Elecar
Global leader in the design and manufacture of masts, carriages, integral sideshifters & fork positioners.
Fact of the week
Brussels Airport in Belgium, Europe is the world's largest sales point for chocolate, with over 800 tonnes of chocolate sold annually. This averages out to about 1.5 kilograms sold every minute.
Toplift Ferrari TFC36-48
Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada
Used - Sale
USD1
Taylor T520S
Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, United States
Used - Sale & Hire
Global Industry News
edition #1252 - 16 October 2025
In this week’s Forkliftaction News , we report on the GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index which shows Asian supply chains are at their busiest since June 2022 while the US and Europe’s supply chains remain under-utilised. One of the report authors describes the situation as being “as stable as it’s going to get”... Continue reading