Electrical Fault on Westy Megablade - Help???

[madmarkymark]

Calling all BEC experts ...

This has not been the best of years for me and my westy.  The engine blew up at Combe in March and I got a new engine in by June as the weather went from bad to worse!  It was all running fine for the few times I got out over the summer and then I was on a short drive out in early September when she cut out on me completely.  On getting her back home (on a recovery truck), I started the fault diagnosis.  That was nearly 2 months ago!!

ISSUE:  On turning the ignition, the relay clicks loudly but no current is going to the starter side of the switch.  There is a good feed to the battery side and the battery is good.  I have changed the relay for a new one and the problem has continued.  I then tried to put twelve volts direct from battery to starter motor.  I was expecting the starter to spin and engage the fly wheel - however - all I got was a massive arc as though I was short circuiting the battery.  I then thought that the fault might have been the starter motor so changed the starter motor (I had a spare one from the engine I blew up earlier in the year).  With everything back in place I put 12v again on the starter terminal.  Once again, all I got was a massive arc and a very hot cable. 

QUESTION:  Any ideas about what to check next.  I thought it might be a dodgy earth and have checked the cables and the loom and found nothing.  Has anyone else had this problem and is there something obvious that I am overlooking ??

Huge thanks - madmarkymark 

[fullpint]

Mine had a simular issue before I had it. The previous owner picked it up (in the dark) and started his drive home only to break down!!!
A common fault on the blade in the rectifier.. Do you have the up-graded one? Pop a photo up of it.. I should have a pic of mine some where on here...

[Iainl]

Give Andy Bates a call at AB performance, top guy and very helpful

www.abperformance.co.uk/

Lets us know how you get on.

Cheers
Iainl

['The Gaffer']

Silly question but any chance your replacement engine has seized up? If so it wouldn't allow the starter to turn.

I hope that is not the case.

Starter motors do draw a huge current on start up and you would get a hefty spark connecting directly to the battery. If your cable is big enough it should not get hot though.

[madmarkymark]

Thanks for your comments - yes I have the uprated rectifier (having blown one up last year).  It is the one Andy Bates recommended (CBR1100 from 2004).  It seems to be fine.  Good point about engine - nightmare scenario and not one I have checked check engine not seized tonight.  Andy Bates prep'd the engine for me so it should be pretty bomber!! 

[Iainl]

Anything to report yet?

Iain