Starter Motor problem or something else?

[JulesTheVWNewbie]

Can an oil filter problem cause a starter motor problem at the same time? I had to replace the oil filter at the weekend after it developed a hole (at least it was Aldi's car park it leaked over and not my driveway). Everything was fine, the engine turned over, the leak was gone and I thought I had fixed my bus. Loaded the kids and Grandma in the back, turned the engine over again and.....nothing (apart from a click which was so quiet I might be mistaken that I heard it). There is a bit of oil in the engine bay from the filter problem (it did spray over a few bits) but can this cause a starter motor problem or am I the unluckiest woman on the planet?

[andisnewsyncro]

You might simply have dislodged the wire to the starter solenoid (a quiet click rather than a loud one would suggest this to me at least). It happens with these vans sometimes, it's a crimped on spade connector and can work loose over time. If you have a look from underneath it will probably be fairly obvious to you if this is the case

[JulesTheVWNewbie]

Thanks for the fast response. Had a look at the wiring and none of it looks or feels loose. I know i did move stuff around when I was changing the filter (it was a pain to remove) - maybe I need someone who knows what they are doing to help me cos I might've caused more problems than what I started with!! A little knowledge is a dangerous thing in my case but I thought I could cope with some of its (easier?) mechanical bits. I didn't want to be a girl about it and not get my hands dirty so i had a go......daft, really!

[Aidan]

may also be the ignition switch itself, if you can find a friendly scroat ask him to hot wire it for you just need to remove the lower binnacle round the steering column, 2 phillips screws and pull off the connector and make the appropriate conections with some wire bridges.
to be fair these things tend to come in threes with older vehicles and starter motor failure whilst in the garage for another job is a common occurance, just ask any garage that works on these vans, but at least if it happens at the garage they can fix it and get the parts easily enough.
Fill in your profile so peeps know where you is, someone may be local and be able to help

[JulesTheVWNewbie]

Thanks Aidan. I'm based in Chippenham, Wilts so if there is anybody out there who could help/advise, I would be grateful. I do know a bus mechanic but he's not around for the next fortnight and I'm supposed to be camping from 23rd! Typical. I think hotwiring is beyond me but I'm sure some of the local lads would be happy to help.....not sure I'd get the bus back though! maybe some wiring diagrams would help me have a go (my haynes manual is good but a bit confusing in places), I looked on the tech page but got lost in the jargon......i thought i was smart but obviously not.

[JulesTheVWNewbie]

Good news! I hit the starter motor with a hammer and it is now working fine (and have bought a spare starter bush to have a go at replacing if I find the old one is shot). I know the lump hammer method isn't a permanent fix but at least the bus is back up and running for now! Still not sure why an oil filter problem could cause the starter to stick but I'll just accept the good news and get on with it! Thanks for all the advice guys, it is much appreciated.

[edoh]

Jules - you sorted out a problem with your van! - good on you! You asked for - and got some - good advice. You can add which way the spark plug wires go from the distributor to your growing van knowledge - all good -

[Gunslinger]

Good news! I hit the starter motor with a hammer and it is now working fine (and have bought a spare starter bush to have a go at replacing if I find the old one is shot). I know the lump hammer method isn't a permanent fix but at least the bus is back up and running for now! Still not sure why an oil filter problem could cause the starter to stick but I'll just accept the good news and get on with it! Thanks for all the advice guys, it is much appreciated.

Dare I suggest its just coincidental! Glad you got it sorted though

[R0B]

just be careful when doing this.theres a good chance you might damage the magnets inside the casing.this happened to someone i know..me

I hit the starter motor with a hammer

[JulesTheVWNewbie]

I hit it like a girl.....it'll be fine!! No, I know it's not a permanent solution, just glad to be able to still get to work!

[pistachio]

Hello all,

I brought a T25 Devon (Terry Tango) a couple of weeks ago and have been having similar problems to Jules. Picked her up from Derby, test drive was fine, started driving her back to Colchester in Essex and stopped for a coffee, came back to the van turned the key in the ignition and nothing, she didn't turn over, heard a little click but nothing else... so I called the AA and waited and kept trying and after about 45 mins she started up again (told the AA not to bother). Since picking her up, I've had this problem most times i've taken her out, even 20 minute drives where she doesn't get particularly hot, including some dangerous incidents where I've stalled and not been able to get her going again. So anyway... after lots of internet research, I deduced it was a solenoid/started problem which is starting to make sense the more I read but still sounds a lot like gobaldigook to me. Happened again today so instead of waiting an hour and a half for her to cool down I hit the starter casing (started and solenoid is all built into one and encased?) it with a hammer and she started fine (better than ever in fact). Realised from reading here that taking her to the garage may not be the best solution to the problems so I'm going to take time tomorrow to clean up the parts, only problem is, I have absolutely no knowledge of anything mechanical except from what i've read online over the last couple of weeks, so all advice is kindly welcome.

Thanks

Thea

[JulesTheVWNewbie]

Hi Thea

Sorry to hear you're having problems. The way I got into fixing bits myself was to have a very patient mechanic friend show me how to fix things as they happened. Is there anyone near you who could watch over you as you learn? Get a Haynes manual too (or another type of manual - they can be found online). Then do what you have been doing on the forums etc to get advice (these guys are very helpful). Be careful (especially with the electrics) and get yourself some grimex wipes like the AA men use - great for cleaning off oil! I think it's good to know how to fix some bits so you're not at the complete mercy of the AA/RAC. Good luck!