Start Problem

An alchemy of sparks, copper wire and earth

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fresco3000
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Start Problem

Post by fresco3000 »

Hi Guys,

I’ve had this ongoing issue starting my van.

When i turn the key there’s a moment where nothing happens then it kicks in. A delay.

Given that it always started i’d just got use to the delay. Recently it has been taking longer to kick in.

But now it’s got to the stage that when I turn the key nothing happens, which is obviously a problem : P

Any ideas? The battery is fine.
1986 Caravelle GL - Water Cooled - Petrol 2000cc - 5 Speed

TONYT25T25
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Re: Start Problem

Post by TONYT25T25 »

If battery is ok i would suspect the starter motor or solenoid.  Maybe just something simple as a bad earth at the starter motor or corroded connections, worth giving this area a good cleaning.  Disconnect battery first though.
1984 Campervan 1.9DG Petrol WBX

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fresco3000
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Re: Start Problem

Post by fresco3000 »

Thanks!

Will give that a go.
1986 Caravelle GL - Water Cooled - Petrol 2000cc - 5 Speed

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muttleypup
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Re: Start Problem

Post by muttleypup »

have you tried jumping the starter across terminals with ignition on, or direct from battery ? could be the ignition switch, i had same issue and wiggling the key/turning harder worked for a while. cheap and easy to replace. 
1987 single cab pickup 1.9 1Y

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fresco3000
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Re: Start Problem

Post by fresco3000 »

Thanks. Something else to consider, will go through the process.

Found this 'hard start relay kit' on my search, any thoughts?

https://www.heritagepartscentre.com/uk/ ... t-12v.html
1986 Caravelle GL - Water Cooled - Petrol 2000cc - 5 Speed

TONYT25T25
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Re: Start Problem

Post by TONYT25T25 »

Never seen it before, but some may have installed it, just something else in the line that could fail and to look out for in my opinion.
1984 Campervan 1.9DG Petrol WBX

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fresco3000
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Re: Start Problem

Post by fresco3000 »

Was the solenoid, just a loose cable. Imagine it vibrates loose over time.

I was looking at some other posts on starter motors and solenoid trouble shooting.

One in particular, the guy posted a photo record of the work he'd done and the starter motor was around the back of the rear pass side wheel arch? Like a muppet I was under there looking for it when it was actually easily reachable at the back/top of the engine bay.

Anyway, it's running and thanks again guys for the tips!
1986 Caravelle GL - Water Cooled - Petrol 2000cc - 5 Speed

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