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Rover 414sli (M Reg) Starting Problems - unnameable
A bit of an irritating intermittant problem. The car will start fine for weeks, then it'll seem to labour more to start. When this happens the starter turns over very slowly, but then kicks in and starts. After a while it gives up kicking in completely and will only start with a bump start. Oddly it'll then go for another few weeks starting perfectly!

Does this sound like the starer motor itself is needing replaced? I replaced the battery a few months ago due to this same problem hoping it was a dead cell or something, but no joy (obviously!)

Any help would be great.

Marc
Rover 414sli (M Reg) Starting Problems - Dynamic Dave
Given that you're other problems are also electrically related, the first place I'd check is that all your earth connections are connected securely. Make sure the connection between the battery and bodywork is good, and also make sure that the earth between the engine and bodywork is also good.
Rover 414sli (M Reg) Starting Problems - unnameable
cheers for the tip.

When I replaced the battery I cleaned up the earth contact from it to the body (and a couple of other small contacts to the same point).

Just a thought.... I had the water pump and timing belt replaced earlier this year, could the mechanic have dislodged an earth wire in that area maybe?
Rover 414sli (M Reg) Starting Problems - unnameable
right, it's given up even turning slowly now.

I've had a good root around and found the problem. The wire from motor to solenoid has broken clean away (totally corroded). Trouble is, it's broken off a few mm away from the motor body. Is it possible to replace this wire from the starter motor side, or is it not worth trying?

cheers as always!
Rover 414sli (M Reg) Starting Problems - Number_Cruncher
Have a nosy at;

www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=32960&...f

Number_Cruncher
Rover 414sli (M Reg) Starting Problems - unnameable
cheers for that... a bit of a relief that I can replace the wire! Now I've just got to get the motor out to work on it.