1998 Questions for all other cars Engine Size unknown Front Wheel Drive Manual 87000 miles
Hi,
Bit of a strange problem you may be able to help with.
Background:
I've just recently purchased the above car 2nd hand, I was told when I bought it that the timing belt had been removed but put back on slightly out. This was reflected by the fact that I had little low end power up to 2000 rpm but then it kicked in nicely above that.
I was about to get the local garage to sort it the other day and it wouldnt start.
The problem:
It just happened to have gone cold this day outside and has remained the same since, whether a contributing factor or not I dont know.
When I tried to turn it over the 1st time it turned over slower than usual but didnt start, I tried again and just got clicking, no engine turn.
I assumed I had a duff battery and got a jump start then ran for an hour to check if it helped. I stopped and then restarted the engine, again slower than usual turning but it burst into life.
The next day I tried to start and just had clicking again so without another car to use I hooked up a portable jumpstart. The engine turned over very slowly then clicked, no life.
my initial thought was that maybe there was a short somewhere as the portable jump start couldnt cope but the extra kick from a running engine did it fine. I was told perhaps it could be an alternator problem though as a friend had similar problems.
Anyone have any ideas? Oh another note, when running there is a slight increase in headlight strength when the revs are higher, perhaps this signified a dying alternator?
Thanks in advance
Graeme UK.
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Sunday, December 16th, 2007 AT 3:46 PM