Engine will not start after replacing head gasket

DICKO5721

MEMBER
2003 MG ZR
1.8L
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
97,000 MILES

I checked the battery (12.5v) when turning the key it just makes a loud click, when keeping the key turned it continues to click. Is this the starter motor?

Monday, October 28th, 2019 AT 6:51 AM

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Welcome to 2CarPros.

Chances are if the starter was good prior to the repairs, it still is. When you get a click, that usually indicates a weak battery. Can you have a helper turn the key to start while you check how much of a voltage drop there is with the battery? You need approximately 9.6v while cranking for everything to work properly.

Next, a loose terminal can do the same thing. Recheck battery terminals to make sure they are clean and tight. Also, check the main ground between the battery and engine block to confirm nothing was damaged.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

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Monday, October 28th, 2019 AT 8:19 PM

DICKO5721

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Good morning,

Yes, I tested the battery while cranking it over and the volts went down to 6.54. Now as an additional question when I held the key on smoke came from the back of the starter motor. Is that normal when held on?

Tom

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Tuesday, October 29th, 2019 AT 4:57 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Welcome back:

No that isn't normal. First, make sure the engine can be turned by hand. If it can, replace the starter. It is getting power, so either there is a short internally or something has caused the engine to lock and the starter can't turn it.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

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Tuesday, October 29th, 2019 AT 9:21 PM