Been having problems with my starter motor turning over slowly during the recent cold snap. As the standard arrangement for the starter motors earthing is through the engine to the body and then to the battery - via a single stud on inner wing!! - I have added an extra heavy lead from the earth stud on the wing down to the studding at the starter motor. The engine is now turning over quicker.

  This may be worth considering by anyone questioning a batteries performance at the moment before investing in a new one. It may be possible to use a jump lead from the earth terminal on the battery to the engine to prove if an earthing problem exists.

I did the same thing. Wasn't having any problems but just did it for good measure.

 

Edited 14 January, 20179 yr by TMB

It's not just starter motor speed that's affected by a poor earth between engine and battery. The whole charging system will under-perform if there's not a very low resistance connection between the body of the alternator and battery negative. 

 

Good work guys.

I did the same thing. Wasn't having any problems but just did it for good measure.

 

 This will overcome any rubber engine mount electrical isolation problems, and every bit helps, but my idea was to take the battery earth connection direct to the starter motor - in reality connecting directly from the negative battery terminal would be best option. Will try to upload a photo tomorrow.

 This will overcome any rubber engine mount electrical isolation problems, and every bit helps, but my idea was to take the battery earth connection direct to the starter motor - in reality connecting directly from the negative battery terminal would be best option. Will try to upload a photo tomorrow.

 

Yeah I understand what you mean :)