Car Hot Starting Problem

dkpoole

I have a Peugeot 205 Diesel and it always starts first time when cold but recently I am having trouble starting when the engine is hot or in warm weather. Maybe 1 time in 3 I just get the flat battery clunk sound and the fuel guage goes down to zero. Turning off & trying again a few times usually works. I am thinking it's some kind of short circuit or earthing problem. Any advice so I seem to know what I'm talking about when I take it in for servicing

HoofeHearted

I am no expert but it sounds like the starter motor is jamming. The clunk sound is the starter solenoid being activated. The fuel guage going to zero is the battery drawing lots of current in an attempt to turn the starter motor.

forgotmyname

Starter is sticking or the battery is weak.

Get the battery tested or buy a cheap multimeter and check it yourself.

CrazyRed

My old 405 (virtually the same engine) did this during my ownership.

Initially the battery was suspected and replaced, when this was unsuccessful the starter was removed and rebuilt professionally which effected a full cure.

The fuel gauge going to zero and the dimming of the dash lights (has the rev-counter shot round to maximum, yet, whilst attempting to crank?) are signs of a massive load/drain on the battery, normally caused by a knackered or jamming starter.

Any good motor factor should be able to test the battery for you and rule that out as a fault - my money's on the starter.

If the battery was at fault then you're likely to have issues on every start, not one in 3 and far more so when cold - the older IDI diesels like yours take a lot out of a battery on a cold start and quickly expose any weaknesses. The starter sits quite close to the exhaust downpipe and the radiator, IIRC and it gets pretty darned hot when the engine's running. Heat soak, following engine shut-down would make it even hotter, especially with high ambient temperatures.

dkpoole

Thanks all for your help
I have had the battery checked and it was fine
Now booked in next week for service so will expect starter motor replacement!

spacey2012

Put a jump lead from the negative terminal to the engine and see if it still does it.
If it does, the all earth points need cleaning