Stag 'click' ONLY when hot

[markmark2]

Hi all, I know the stag click has been covered many times but this seems to only occurs after very long/hot journeys. After a 200 mile drive yesterday and in the past, I've arrive home, turn off the car, open garage and then it won't start again until it has cooled down. Just clicks. Is this all covered under the 'stag click' or just another problem as well as the 'click'.
As a rule normally starts fine unless very hot.
Thanks in advance.

[MandM]

I cleaned the contacts on my solenoid
IMG_20180822_124505.jpgIMG_20180822_124430.jpg

[markmark2]

Thanks for the pics M&M. Would that explain why it only happens when hot? Thanks Mark

[RobinLegin]

Had a similar problem. Sorted out using 98 Octane. It took two full tank loads before I had a positive result. May not work in every instance though.

[markmark2]

Hi Robin, maybe I've not explained correctly. I don't have a hot start issue. When I did have hot start problems it just wouldn't fire but turned over ok. Now it just clicks when hot, but if I did lots of short journeys it will start fine.
Cheers Mark

[wilf]

Starter is hot, clearances increase, marginal points contact fails.

In other words. +1 for MandM.

[markmark2]

Thanks Wilf, I know now I have to get the stater sorted. Can only get worse! Many thanks all for advice. Cheers Mark

[richardthestag]

sometimes when you gte click nothing, hang onto the ignition in the start position for 3 or 4 seconds. If there is anything high resistance in the circuit it might just get through and the starter will start turning. use it only as a test though and fix the root cause. High resistance connection can generate a lot of heat and that will melt the connection.

Most likely source of click nothing will be the multi connector for the gearbox near the starter motor, above the LH exhaust, yes extra heat will cause a marginal connection to fail.

[markmark2]

Thanks for the reply Richard. I have cleaned the multi connector and protected it from any dirt in the past so Im not sure if it could still cause problems, but I think the starter may need replacement but I will try and clean the solenoid contacts. Cheers Mark

[DJT]

Thanks for the reply Richard. I have cleaned the multi connector and protected it from any dirt in the past so Im not sure if it could still cause problems, but I think the starter may need replacement but I will try and clean the solenoid contacts. Cheers Mark

If you are taking the solenoid off to clean the contacts, replacement solenoids aren't too expensive. This can be done without removing the starter motor.

[markmark2]

My car is a mk2. Are the solenoids all the same? Are pictures that M&M posted parts of the solenoid or starter? I've looked how the solenoid 'hooks' on, is this easy to do on the car? Thanks again for all the advice chaps. Mark

[MandM]

This is the right starter the one in the rom is the wrong one, clean the Bendix as well DONOT oil, use graphite
m100 stater.jpg

[Tdm]

Had a similar problem. Sorted out using 98 Octane. It took two full tank loads before I had a positive result. May not work in every instance though.

That's interesting that you say using 98 Octane sorted out your problem.
I too now only fill up with 98 Octane, and haven't had a "click" problem for a while, but only recently fitted a new high torque starter & solenoid.
Some years ago I installed a push button starter as an alternative to the last position on the ignition key, and often use that rather than the final twist of the key.

I think sometime I will post a photo of my dashboard arrangement as it has changed a lot since I first bought the car, for example I have added :-

• Periscope overtaking mirror (useful when overtaking in a Country that drives on the right, and a requirement in Tenerife).
• Dashcam (now on my second one).
• Modern radio/dvd player fed by a separate on/off switch on the parcel shelf.
• Auxilliary switch panel under dash for operating the spot lights (and since removed rear fog lights).
• Additional switch near window switches that operates the front fog light.
• Green warning light where previously the oil warning light was, that comes on when the electric fan is running.
• Dual USB plug that goes in where the cigar lighter used to go (feeds dashcam and mobile phone).
• Spare mobile phone used with Tom Tom Go App as a Sat Nav device (magnetically attached to window by driver when in the car).
• Door speakers (that replaced the original grill speaker).
• Another push button switch that operates the additional Air-Horns.
• Oil fed oil pressure gauge just under dash & visible to driver.
• Couple of small hooks for hanging things on (such as whistle, or garage opening fob).
• Compass placed near gear selector knob.
• Wooden auto gear selector knob.
• Fire extinguisher under driver's seat.

Can't off hand think of what else I have changed as driver aids - yes - just thought of another three :-

• Display on top of dash for rear parking sensors (also beeps)
• A couple of nice little air fresheners that fit in the central air vents, and I also have an air temperature gauge attached to the glove box door. .
• An information badge (in the shape of a British tax disc) attached to the periscope mirror and visible to people in front of the car showing what car & engine it is (see below).

If you think that's quite a few things, you should see what I carry round with me in my boot!

SOC BADGE 4bb.jpg

[Stagdad]

I too now only fill up with 98 Octane, and haven't had a "click" problem for a while, but only recently fitted a new high torque starter & solenoid.


SOC BADGE 4bb.jpg

I cant imagine there is any link between 98ron fuel and the click nothing syndrome.

[KOY 23]

It’s the ethanol in the fuel stripping off the oxidisation.
The same logic says that putting a paracetamol tablet in the header tank cures head gasket problems.