11 replies to this topic

[minisilverbullet]

My mini let me down this morning, would not start. It was pretty cold at around 0c.

 

Engine is recently built, high compression (if that matters). The engine has a k1100 head and runs efi

 

I am using my old and standard starter, (maybe I need a high torque starter) .

 

I have looked at booster starters before, but to a bit of "analysis paralysis" so didnt actually buy one. If I am honest I am still a bit confused. 

 

I see you can get small slim line booster packs (look like a laptop battery), these seem to be around 300a - 400a

 

Or there is more traditional boosters (the ones with handles) that are around  800a - 1000a, obviously these are built more tough to store in a mini. 

 

Any advice on what to buy? 

 

Cheers

 

Craig 

 

 

[klivins]

I live in place where -20 is common. mini starts fine with20w50 oil even in -10. Check your battery, starter motor, and Electric connections prior to investing in booster packs!

[ukcooper]

i bought that one https://www.machinem...jumpstart-1010/

 

 

rather heavy , but works well

 

tyre inflator well worth it  

 

unto a 2l diesel so murders a mini mpi 

[KernowCooper]

I'd not waste money buying those little booster packs,

 

A. they are only designed to dump their charge into your battery and they won't jump start anything (see the size of the leads)

B. They don't last very long.

C. its a marketing con to even suggest something that small could provide enough amps for any length of time.

 

I have see far to many fail on the first attempt,in as little as 3 secs = fried pack, not a nice smell

 

Buy one of the bigger jump start packs, but first do a check on your current electrical system, charge rate and battery condition, are you running the bigger fitment of a 075 battery? good earths and connections are a must to prevent volt drop

[sledgehammer]

as above , check all leads & terminals ,

 

it only takes a slightly loose connection , corrosion , or a frayed earth cable to slow the starter

 

battery terminals are also a good place to look , esp the non clamping lead one , with screw in the middle

[Wiggy]

I'm too tight to buy a jump pack, so I keep an old battery on a trickle charger next to a set of jump leads. Which is what a jump pack is, in effect.

[Bat]

Hi,

As stated check everything on the car, then if none the wiser you may have a lazy starter motor.

I buy Aldi jump start packs the old one actually seems better than the new one!

Maybe it just needs to see more action?

Cheers 

[JCmini]

https://www.amazon.c...8YCYV5G38CYQJV7

 

I bought one of these cheap small charger. Worked perfect for me. Got me out of many troubles.

[phil hill]

I would echo the above advice: check security of connections at battery, boot earth, engine to body earth etc.

If the starter is still slow maybe it's due a service or overhaul.

If your battery is "tired" or has been allowed to go flat on occasion then it may be reduced in capacity - it doesn't take much, a resting voltage of 12v indicates the battery is dying rather than "ok". If the car is left alone for periods of time this where a quality trickle charger or even a solar charger can save the day.

I would recommend a decent branded battery like Varta C6, Bosch S4 or similar in size 063, or if you're feeling flush an Optima RTS 4.2

Phil.

[nicklouse]

as much as I like the idea of these I have issues. needs to be kept in the garage/hose to make sure it is always charged. so if you are at work...... opps.

 

a spare charged battery in the garage and some jump leads in the car are way better. and most likely work out much cheaper.

 

I would start with putting the current battery on charge for a few days to make sure it is well charged. (if you have a charger that reconditions the battery even better).

[minisilverbullet]

Thanks guys!

 

The plot thickens - The car actually started the day after all of this. I hadn't even charged the battery. 

 

So i guess it is the starter or my timing might be a bit out. 

[croc7]

For a jump start kit-a product called ‘JUMP n Carry’. Faster than RAC, ADAC or AAA, for about $100. Fits nicely under a mini seat, only needs to be re-charged every three months.

Edited by croc7, 29 October 2018 - 06:34 PM.