On Mon, 10 May 2021 21:35:05 +0100, newshound
wrote:

snip

He'd need a reasonably meaty one for the Rover.

You could be right, depending on the gearing / efficiency of the
starter etc.

The 1.4i Astra was always a 'lazy starter' but always seemed to start.
The kitcar (1.3 Mk2 Escort) is normally spins over pretty quickly but
takes a time to fire up (especially if it's been left for a while).
The 2L Sierra was something inbetween and the Rover 218 SD seemed to
fire up before it had even turned over once!

The other thing to check
is that the croc clips are making good contact.

Good point (although I'm sure Dave would have that covered).

I had mine out for the
petrol topper the other day and nothing much happened, then I jiggled
the croc clips and away it went.

Yeah, it really can depend of several things, the general level of
oxide or whatever typically builds up on the terminal clamps, the
shape / sharpness of the 'teeth' on the clips, the strength of the
springs and how / where (on the clamp / terminal bolt or the meat of
the terminal itself if the non-pillar type) or the you have fitted
them.

Cheers, T i m