non-starter

well ive just replaced my starter motor with a recon and the bloody thing still wont start for weeks
ive had problems starting it.(alllights on dash light up but nothing)its usually start after turning key
3 or 4 times anyway last week it stopped starting so thinking it was starter motor i bought second hand
one.am i missing something else? bought new battery 2 weeks ago so it cant be that.
its a 1996 993cc efi se. any help would be great.

are you getting power to the starter when you turn the key?

not sure the only whirring you can hear is the fuel pump i think. how do you know for sure if the starter is getting power?

either put a meter on the little wire on the starter to see if there is power when you turn the key, if you haven't a meter use a bulb
HJ will be along shortly to do one of his special drawings

thanks d1noh i will go buy a meter tomorrow and give it a go.

If you've a branch of TLC near you, I recommend this one - only £20 and has a clamp so you can test current too - more useful than you might think. I've had mine for about 5 years and still going strong. http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Test_Meters_Index/Test_Meters_7/index.html

Have you had a look at the earth lead to the body and on to the engine? If the bolts aren't tight and the mating services clean you can get the symptoms you are describing . Not saying that its the problem but if you check them out then its one more avenue closed.

Have you had a look at the earth lead to the body and on to the engine? If the bolts aren't tight and the mating services clean you can get the symptoms you are describing . Not saying that its the problem but if you check them out then its one more avenue closed.

Was the old motor turning over? Is the replacement on? If not you aren't getting power to it - suggest you check thick +ve cable where it exits the battery tray - they often corrode to dust!

the replacement is on and yes the old motor was turning intermittently.but i cant be that unlucky that both starters are knackered.and i check leads tomo, cheers woody and pfm

Yep, leads would be my first port of call. Daihatsu wiring really is shite :/

There is a big plug under the van that goes from the battery to the starter, its on the drivers side near the gearbox clipped to the chassis. I'd check there too.

thanks all for your help and to great site,
found the problem was the live+ leads the smaller of the two
was broken at the clip.so soldered it back on and taped round it
so no moisture can get in.thanks again .