starting issues.

[destinationtoby]

need help with working out what the cause is.
i turn the key to start and it doesnt, turn again and it very slowy and only just kicks over and starts.
everything dims greatly as though all power just gets drained,
this isnt happening all the time though, about every 3rd time i start the car after leaving it for the day.
i dont think that it is the battery, because at one stage i tried jumpstarting it and it still did the same thing.
sometimes it takes me 5minutes of multiple turning over and pumping the throttle to get it.
when it doesnt go thers a really fast clicking sound.
but everynow and then it just starts perfectly and quickly.
could it actually be the battery? or do i rule it out? it is a big panasonic one with jap writing so im guessing its old.
or is the starter motor on its way out? as this problem does seem to be getting worse rather quickly.
other possible causes?
anyone had similar issues?
thanks.

[rock_it]

Dmm the battery. Dmm the alternator.

If it is not that, and both are drawing suitable current, it is a grounding issue.

Pumping the gas won't help as the car is EFI and not powered by carby. So electricity feeds the fuel pump not your foot..

[destinationtoby]

Dmm the battery. Dmm the alternator.

If it is not that, and both are drawing suitable current, it is a grounding issue.

Pumping the gas won't help as the car is EFI and not powered by carby. So electricity feeds the fuel pump not your foot..

Dmm? not sure what that means dude?

if i dont put my foot flat it just dies out and doesnt start.

[rock_it]

Dmm the battery. Dmm the alternator.

If it is not that, and both are drawing suitable current, it is a grounding issue.

Pumping the gas won't help as the car is EFI and not powered by carby. So electricity feeds the fuel pump not your foot..

Dmm? not sure what that means dude?

if i dont put my foot flat it just dies out and doesnt start.

Digital Multi Meter.. it will tell you the power the batter is putting out before crank over.. and after..

[destinationtoby]

Dmm the battery. Dmm the alternator.

If it is not that, and both are drawing suitable current, it is a grounding issue.

Pumping the gas won't help as the car is EFI and not powered by carby. So electricity feeds the fuel pump not your foot..

Dmm? not sure what that means dude?

if i dont put my foot flat it just dies out and doesnt start.

Digital Multi Meter.. it will tell you the power the batter is putting out before crank over.. and after..

ok thanks, ill grab one tomoro and test them. how do u dmm the alternator?

[rock_it]

I haven't DMM'd the alternator before.. But there should be a write up somewhere..

But if the battery is getting charge when running, that rules out the alternator anyway..

[PHIL069]

Bad connections to the battery.
Bad connections to chassis and engine earth.
Bad connections to the starter motor.
Bad connections to the alternator. (not as likely as the others though)

Take them off and clean them with some emery paper, especially the connections to chassis and engine earths.

[destinationtoby]

thanks phil appreciate the help

[FTOdream]

Bad connections to the battery.
Bad connections to chassis and engine earth.
Bad connections to the starter motor.
Bad connections to the alternator. (not as likely as the others though)

Take them off and clean them with some emery paper, especially the connections to chassis and engine earths.

+1