C4 no start

[john at westcoastgarage.net]

Robert Myers wrote:
> <div class="moz-text-flowed" style="font-family: -moz-fixed">*This 
> message was transferred with a trial version of CommuniGate(r) Pro*
>
> It depends on what is meant by "jump".  If it means used a set of 
> jumper cables and an different battery it's one thing and if "jump" 
> means jump starting the car by getting it rolling and then popping the 
> clutch it's another.
>
> If the ignition switch is bad and the switch contacts remained in the 
> start position for a considerable length of time (several minutes) 
> then the starter motor will be destroyed by over revving it while 
> driving the car.  The starter will, of course, be noisily protesting 
> the abuse but it is possible to ignore or not hear the protests (don't 
> ask, please - OK, the wife destroyed a starter this way one time a few 
> years ago).  If the starter is blown then a rolling jump start will 
> get the engine running normally (sort of) again until the next shut-off.
>
> Bob
>
> At 02:25 PM 2/6/2010, Grant Lenahan wrote:
>> *This message was transferred with a trial version of CommuniGate(r) 
>> Pro*
>> If its the switch, why would a jump fix it?
>>
>> Yes, the switches fail all the time. But something doesnt wound right.
>>
>> Grant
>>
>
>
> ....................................snip.................................
>
Actually, time isn't much of a factor in ruining a starter that's stuck 
on.  Revving the engine can, and often does, literally explode a starter 
which is engaged while the engine is running.  If you bring it up to 5K 
RPM, you're spinning that starter 5-6 times the speed at which is can 
safely operate.  I have pictures of the starter from my 20v.  A NEW 
starter that physically jammed in the cranking mode ...................  
As for the "dead" symptoms, jump starting a car may get it started, but 
driving it around for a bit to charge is not only futile, it can damage 
the alternator, which is a battery maintainer, not a recharging device.  
Technically, you would have to drive the car for many hours to actually 
bring the battery back up to full charge, and doing that can destroy the 
alternator.  Every new/reman genuine Bosch alternator comes with a 
warning tag that tells you NOT to connect it until the battery is fully 
charged. 

John