RE: 1991 Spider Veloce Starter Problem - help

[ltooz@domain.elided (LLe_2002)]

Hello Tim,
 It does sound like the problem that my 91 spider has. Here is how I fix it, I believe it's the ignition problem, but I didn't want to replace it. Connect a starter switch (or horn switch) to the hot wire (located on the left side fender) to the switch and the other side of the switch to the solenoid connection. Sometimes, the solenoid connection has oil and it didn't make contact and when you use direct power to it, the current is stronger and crank the starter.
 Right now, I have both switch and ignition, when the ignition doesn't crank, I use the switch, and it cranks everytime. I do clean the contacts at the solenoid once in a while because the oil deposit between the male and female contacts.
 
Hope this help,

Louis Le
91 Spider Veloce,
Sunnyvale, CA

"Tim Czajka" <timczajka@domain.elided> wrote:

>Hello - a relative of mine is having trouble with his 1991 Alfa Romeo Spider 
>Veloce.  The engine will not turn over.  The battery is in good charge and 
>partial turn of the ignition switch lights up all the dash lights.  But upon 
>further turning of the key - nothing.  No cranking of the starter and no 
>clicking of the solenoid/switch.
>
>The starter and solenoid have been rebuilt - still I would like to test but 
>the CD repair manual is not clear.  Does anyone know what voltage the field 
>wire (wire from the ignition switch) supplies to the solenoid to kick the 
>starter?  Is it plain 12 volts?
>
>Also it appears from the schematic that the field wire runs direct from the 
>ignition switch to the starter solenoid - no fuses etc.  Is this correct.  
>Before I start tracing the wire I would like to know if there are any 
>specific areas I should look for - fusible link, fuses, relays, etc.
>
>I have tested the main wire that supplies battery cranking power to the 
>starter and the circuit is good.  So I have narrowed the problem down to 
>either an open circuit somewhere between the ignition switch and the 
>starter, or still some sort of problem with the starter solenoid, or a 
>malfunction in the ignition switch itself.
>
>Any ideas or experience related to this problem would be appreciated.  I own 
>a 1972 Series III Land Rover and LR owners often do battle with the dark 
>prince (Lucas) - do you guys have a similar adversary?
>
>Thanks - Tim Czajka
>
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