Mysterious Problems With My Avensis

[1ofthejuicys]

I have recently had what could be best described as a
flapping noise coming from the engine of my 2000 1.6 petrol Avensis, most noticeably
when cold. I also found the car revving out slightly a few weeks ago while
driving and felt this could be the clutch starting to go. I also had a cracked
radiator appear shortly after and I fitted a brand new one last week and the
revving out has stopped, but he flapping noise remains when cold. This brings
me to my question… this morning I heard a serious loud clicking or slight
knocking sound coming from the yard and when I went out the car had moved and
was against the wall of the house and clicking really loud possibly from
starter or gearbox??? This car was locked and had not been started in three
days and when I opened the bonnet I could see the alternater belt moving slightly
as if trying to start. The only way to stop this was to disconnect the Battery.
I left it for a few hours and re-connected the Battery and it started okay ….no
smoke…but didn’t sound great. I have not driven the car since and wondered if
anyone had ever had anything similar happen?

[Konrad C]

It sounds like the starter is faulty. There is a short or the solenoid is sticking. It is best to change or recondition the starter.

Check the Battery connections and the earth straps. There is a main lead to the starter from the Battery. Disconnect the negative terminal first before checking the connection at the starter motor. You can short the Battery and cause a big flash, if you are spark not careful. Then you can check the two connections - the main power and the solenoid.

[1ofthejuicys]

So, I removed the starter yesterday and replaced it with a second hand starter bought for €40 and this seems to have sorted the problem for now. I intend to get the replacement parts for the old starter and recondition it myself as the second hand starter is also 15 odd years old and could fail at anytime. Thanks for reply Konrad.

[TomdeGuerre]

Going back to your original post I reckon the flapping noise was caused b a bird - possibly a woodpecker - getting caught in the air cleaner inlet. If so you'd be better to fit a pekker guard on the front of your car.

When you changed the radiator did you get the engine block thoroughly flushed out? I'd recommend Murphy's Stout because, as everyone knows, it's sticking out.

The starter thingy was almost certainly caused by a leprechaun trying to steal your car. trouble is they're not very good with electrics and he probably hot wired the alternator instead of the starter. The car must have been left in gear and with his wee short legs he couldn't reach the clutch pedal so it lurched forward t where you found it. The little people always disappear after all the mischief they've caused, don't they.

[Konrad C]

So, I removed the starter yesterday and replaced it with a second hand starter bought for €40 and this seems to have sorted the problem for now. I intend to get the replacement parts for the old starter and recondition it myself as the second hand starter is also 15 odd years old and could fail at anytime. Thanks for reply Konrad.

Glad to have helped Martin.

I had my starter completely reconditioned by a specialist, and it is still working fine.

It seems you know what you are doing, and the starter is not too complicated.

Konrad