Bigport 4AGE Cold Start

**Dr. Twinky** · 04-06-2010, 03:56 PM

Hi all - i recently picked up a AE82 Twin Cam seca.

The car runs very well - although there is an issue with cold start.

Sometimes, when cold, i attempt to start the car - it seems like a very weak attempt to start. I have to turn the key to off and try again eventually the car starts. Keep in mind its got a new battery as of 3 weeks ago from NRMA and terminals were replaces aswell.

This morning - i got in the car and attempted to start it. The car didn't even tick over. It was like the battery was flat, not ticking over.

I recently serviced the car, changed oil and oil filter. Also when it struggles sometimes, it makes a funny noises, almost like there is not enough lubricant.
When the car is running, it runs very well, good throttle response and power and doesn't blow smoke.

I was thinking of cleaning the dizzy terminals, but would this be considered a loss of power when starting? Any other things anyone has to recommend?

**frostyadonis** · 04-06-2010, 10:12 PM

Originally Posted by aunaturalantony

This morning - i got in the car and attempted to start it. The car didn't even tick over. It was like the battery was flat, not ticking over. Also when it struggles sometimes, it makes a funny noises, almost like there is not enough lubricant.

the symptoms you are describing reads very much like "starter motor" on its way out...
and i hope the funny noises you're describing is only when your ignition key is on the start position and not when the engine is running....

**Dr. Twinky** · 05-06-2010, 02:26 AM

Originally Posted by frostyadonis

the symptoms you are describing reads very much like "starter motor" on its way out...
and i hope the funny noises you're describing is only when your ignition key is on the start position and not when the engine is running....

Yeah only when starting - I was thinking that it can be the relay from the battery to the starter motor.
The guy i bought it off said "I put in a new starter motor" - he could be taking the piss but u never know. Im going to check the connections first.

Like today - the car started (straight away) in the afternoon, but tonight i drove it for a bit, turned the car off and then when i tried to start it again - no ticking over when the key was turned.

That would make me think about the connections to the starter motor...

**Mr89Cressida** · 05-06-2010, 11:50 AM

id say you need a start relay, if its cold and dosent do anything id say it drops voltage to the starter and the car wont crank. And also the NRMA batteries arent very good they sit for too long should always buy one for a auto electrician and a good brand ie century and super charge...

**Dr. Twinky** · 05-06-2010, 01:49 PM

Originally Posted by Mr89Cressida

id say you need a start relay, if its cold and dosent do anything id say it drops voltage to the starter and the car wont crank. And also the NRMA batteries arent very good they sit for too long should always buy one for a auto electrician and a good brand ie century and super charge...

Well i guess the NRMA has 2 year warranty as well. But, yes the voltage does drop.

With the lights on, the headlights dim when i try and start the car. So I would think it would have to do with the relay or the connection.

Ill take it over to my mechanic and ask him to check it out.
Cheers mate.

**MR22ZZ** · 05-06-2010, 10:02 PM

Originally Posted by aunaturalantony

Yeah only when starting - I was thinking that it can be the relay from the battery to the starter motor.
The guy i bought it off said "I put in a new starter motor" - he could be taking the piss but u never know. Im going to check the connections first.

Like today - the car started (straight away) in the afternoon, but tonight i drove it for a bit, turned the car off and then when i tried to start it again - no ticking over when the key was turned.

That would make me think about the connections to the starter motor...

yep, I have the exact same issue with the starter in the AW11.
it has not bothered me too much because I don't drive the car very often, but it is the contacts on the starter motor that are the issue.

I good write up here on how to replace them, or you can get a reco starter pretty cheap as well. http://www.padandwheels.com/mr2/starter/starter.html

**Dr. Twinky** · 08-06-2010, 12:24 PM

$260 to overhaul my starter motor today.

Ehh, too much effort to fix it. At least it will be fixed.

**turbo ke20** · 15-06-2010, 04:50 PM

nrma batteries are shit!
ive replaceed plenty of them within their warranty period.
you could also have something intermittantly draining your battery flat.
You will need a multimeter to test that.
Starter relay is also a common toyota problem.
But dont be fooled by people saying "new starter motor" because most people that come into work that say "new" and its actually 2nd hand.

**RobertoX** · 16-06-2010, 12:12 AM

Other thing is the quality of your earths,
After 25 or so years the cabling can get pretty mucky and there is a fair current going through them.
Take off the big earth cables in the engine bay and clean up the terminals and whatever they bolt to. (its free too

)

I've had similar problems and they've been fixed by adding nice new earth straps from the starter to the body and then directly to the battery -ve terminal.
The cables and terminals aren't too expensive from repco and you can make them yourself.

ps by the way, don't buy an "earth kit", if you know how to install it you can make it yourself that looks more factory for a fraction of the cost.