Poor starting- any ideas

[kentishvanman]

I am running out of remedies.
1988 Autosleeper 1.9 DG 9 (Auto) LPG'd
Turn the key--- nothing, especially if has not been used for a few days. Everything else works. Put battery on charge, sometimes just for 30mins until showing fully charged, it will start.
Swapped the batteries over, 1 Halfords, 1 Bosch, same problem. New starter motor and solenoid, all wiring and earths checked, auto box inhibitor switch ok. Just replaced the ignition switch, first try nothing, second try it fired when the key was held in the starting position for a couple of seconds.
I am running out of ideas, and patience. Never know whether it's going to start .
All suggestions welcome
Don

[peteabbott]

Have you tried "stabbing a wire" from the battery to the solenoid ? At least it would prove the battery, solenoid and starter. Then maybe a long piece of cable from switch to solenoid. I reckon you have already tried this, just trying to help but good luck mate hope you find the fault which usually turns out to be quite simple but bloomin irritating and frustating all the same.

[Fritz]

I am as sure as eggs is eggs you will not be alone with this anoying T25 fault...........Some have told us of cures that range from cleaning up the starter and the bell hosing (where they bolt up ) as if it was a poor connection or Earth as we know it........

But those of us with a little more purpose tend to go with the idea of the fault being due to mild corrosion of the battery lead and its length from front to rear which suffers from high resistances on initial start.

The fix I here you ask is either to move your power source ( Main Battery)to a rear location or closer to the starter if you like and fit new cables OR try this Fix as used by former Type 2 owner Scorpio........

http://www.keithandsylvia.co.uk/tech%20 ... ng_mod.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Regards


Fritz,,,,,,,,,,

PS, I have yet to install this fix to my Camper as I have been suffering the same condition for quite some time...

[Rozzo]

any chance there could be a break somewhere in the wire from ign to spade on starter? thats where i'd be looking i think.

[Aidan]

crap ignition switch ? to test voltage drop issue try a good battery or a running vehicle and put jump leads on alternator positive and engine block that's as short a connection as you can get and you can run a trigger wire (pos to solenoid) too in the engine bay if required if it won't start on the key. just keep wires/leads away from belts and pulleys

[ermie571]

Kentish van man,

sorry to hear its still playing up.

Other things that you can try....remaking the earth where it bolts to the van battery. Apparently, it earths through the thread, and if it gets rusty it cannot earth properly. While this may not cure the problem, it won't do it any harm!!

I put a new swtich in as well....don't honestly think its the best, as I have to push the key right in and right round.....if it doesn't quite connect, i get nothing. But ave learnt the trick now...and seem to have sorted the silence issue.

I also changed the starter for a second hand unit that was known to be ok when it came off. Sanded all the connections before it went on, and made sure strap from sarter to solenoid was in good condition. Other than the odd times with lights and no action, when just pushing the key in a little more works, starting is much much better!

Good luck

Em
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