91 RR Starting Problems

Howdy,

My '91 RR Classic recently started having trouble starting. At first, when I would turn the key to start, I'd hear the relay click, but nothing else would happen. After a few turns of the key, it would turn over, and start right up. Felt like an ignition switch problem (or some other relay related to the starting system), but I don't know for sure, and I don't know whether that's a common problem.

Then, that problem morphed into one where it would turn over, start up, and then immediately shut down. After doing this 3-4 times, it would start up and run fine.

Any ideas on where to start? I spent a lot of time working on my Lincoln Mark VII, but the RR world is brand new to me :)

TIA

Andy

Hi Andy
First make sure your battery negative earth is good onto the engine block. if this is loose or intermittent you will have starting problems.
Next check your ignition circuit, correct volts are present on the HT coil check all connections are good, check HT lead to distributor cap, check distributor cap, rotor arm, if in doubt change them for new, its time to have a spare set anyhow. if this all looks good come back to me, I will guide you through the rest.
regards
Alan

Good luck

Hi Andy
Sounds like you need to check the earth right through from the battery to the block. If this is good check the ignition circuit, LT side first, then HT side. If you see nothing get a new set of distributor cap, rotor arm and a new HT plug lead set time to have a good spare anyhow. If this does not work for you come back and I will give you some more ideas.
regards

Alan

Howdy,

My '91 RR Classic recently started having trouble starting. At first, when I would turn the key to start, I'd hear the relay click, but nothing else would happen. After a few turns of the key, it would turn over, and start right up. Felt like an ignition switch problem (or some other relay related to the starting system), but I don't know for sure, and I don't know whether that's a common problem.

Then, that problem morphed into one where it would turn over, start up, and then immediately shut down. After doing this 3-4 times, it would start up and run fine.

Any ideas on where to start? I spent a lot of time working on my Lincoln Mark VII, but the RR world is brand new to me :)

TIA

Andy[/QUOTE]

Good luck

Thanks for the reply; I'll check it out tonight after work, and let you know what I find.

Hi Andy
if this all looks good come back to me, I will guide you through the rest.
regards
Alan

Well, I think I'm getting closer...I've discovered that the engine wasn't actually shutting off on its own. Yesterday when I was starting up to go home, I realized that when I released the key from the "start" position, it wasn't stopping at "on", but was returning to "off". It was so slight that I didn't notice it at first.

So, the initial problems I ran into (not starting), combined with the spring in the lock cylinder pushing the key past "on", tells me that I probably have a worn ignition switch, or lock cylinder housing. I don't know the parts in the steering column yet, but you probably know what I'm talking about...

Thanks for your help!

Andy

Sounds like you have cracked it. new ignition switches are expensive have a look at aftermarket surpliers you can save yourself a bundle. i use MM4X4 in the UK excellent prices great guys to deal with and on a small item like an ignition switch the postage will not kill the saving you make.
Alan