Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

Hi guys

So this is my first post after owning six roadsters over the last 30 years. It’s good to be here.

After 10 years off the road, my 1969 2000 passed the UK’s MOT roadworthy test without any problems last month, and she’s been driving like a dream since then. However, an hour after parking her up today, there’s no sign of life. The battery’s fine, and all electrics are working, but there’s not a peep from the starter motor, not even a click, so it’s just not turning over. Apart from the starter motor, are there any potential well known issues? Perhaps the ignition assembly? Many thanks in advance.

Rob

What type of starter are you using? Stock or a gear reduction?

It’s a stock starter David, the drivetrain is as it came out of the factory.

Alright, it could be that the switch that is on the backside of the ignition key/switch has gone bad. To verify that go down on the fender opening on the left side as you would be sitting in the car. In there you can gain access to the starter, pull off the single wire on the blade terminal and put a jumper switch on that terminal and the large starter terminal to the battery. Try the jumper switch and if it turns the engine over then the connection to the ignition switch or switch is bad.
Dave

& also it can be the solenoid the contact ring isn't connecting current
A test is have a person hold it to crank while you using a large prybar Or screw driver tap/jar the solenoid , the contact rotates and can have a spot that's not conductive as the rest
also check improving the Neg and pos cable connections

Had a similar issue on my 69. Drove all weekend, then after stopping at the gas station, nothing. The crimp terminal on the starter solenoid lead got corroded and had no continuity. Replaced the crimp terminal and happy again.

That's interesting ... I took mine out last weekend and everything ran fine .. went to start it up this past Wednesday and thought my battery was dead ... nothing.

Traced the power and found the single wire to the starter with the spade connector corroded and broke off. Replaced the crimp terminal on the wire and it fired right up.

I might suggest , for reliability, wiring in a START relay.
The relay takes the high current load off the Ignition switch contacts and supplies the starter solenoid with current through some make contacts.

Ha! I remember my solenoid wire would slip off the spade all the time... I always knew what it was... "Just a sec... gotta fix something..."

Thanks for all the replies guys, appreciated. I’m having a day with the car tomorrow so will report back. It started perfectly today on first fire-up, but there was not a peep out of it on the second attempt. Thanks again.

Rob: Check the plastic connectors that come from under the driver’s side through the firewall (you’ll find them close to the brake master). One of those connectors leads to the starter. I had a similar problem years ago on my 68 1600. I wiggled those connections and it fired right up.

Shannon