Earth straps - my final result and tips

[fairwynds]

Hi all
those of you that have read my thread/s re my non starting woes will know this, but am posting this in case it assists anyone in avoiding the
'start you "bar-steward"! If you don't start this time I swear, Im gonna get the matches.......' syndrome!!

So heres a list of issues I had

1) starter 'lag' when firing up from hot or cold. NOT the starter pinion oilite bush, but was the heavy wire from solenoid to starter breaking down, and eventuall fracturing completely. New starter motor fitted.

2) New starter worked for few days then ittermittent starting developed (but when she did start there was no longer any 'lag')
Starter exchanged again (however, as you will see, that probably was NOT necessary!)

3) After postings on here, I also disconnected and cleaned up and refitted the two earthing straps. Things ok for couple days then, same problem.

4) Ignition switch all checked out ok. Solenoid exciter wire connection all good and tight.

5) Few days ago I replaced the two earth straps and bingo! Sorted

So, my tip is, and all credit to Mocki for his input, even though you have cleaned up those (probably original) copper earth straps untill they gleam, you have sanded the connection points back to bright metal, and you have used new nuts and bolts, you cant see the (presumably) corrosion INSIDE the crimped connections, nor the build up of resistance that comes with it. So, before you tear your hair out too, fit new earth straps.

As an aside, before all this happened, I had issues with battery not fully charging, and due to that the alternator was checked (output at battery) and found to be low. The connector at rear of alternator was in need of replacing back to brigh wire, and I also fitted a new regulator/brush pack.

This improved things but I still wasnt getting the results Ive seen posted on here... (I got 13.35v and unloaded tickover / 12.8 at loaded tickover)

Just had this rechecked since changing the earth straps, and now getting 14.1 at unloaded tickeover and 12.8 at loaded tickover)

Importantly though, Im getting a much better reading (13.35v) at 1500rpm loaded.

All in all, much happier

[mearnsy]

I had a similar problem. The guy i bought the van off replaced the starter motor, solenod and battery. Then a week or so after i bought it there were problems starting. I could see there was good battery power and then looked at the wiring. I replaced a messy bit from solenod to alternator but still problems, so i removed the earth strap on the gear box and cleaned till shiny. The old girl fired into life like there was no tomorrow.

I can only think that the previous owner had wrongly diagnosed the problems, ho hum.

[bertieT25]

Cleaned and polished my earth straps yesterday and Bertie starts like a dream now! Might order new ones anyway but good tip, thanks.

[kevtherev]

300mm (12") long stainless braided earth straps (10mm dia.) with crimped 10mm hole connectors are available..... from me!

just pay postage and a beer

[bmouthboyo]

300mm (12") long stainless braided earth straps (10mm dia.) with crimped 10mm hole connectors are available..... from me!

just pay postage and a beer

Could I grab 2 of those (2 is what i need?) matey?

[California Dreamin]

And....you can always ADD earth straps......you don't necessarily have to replace the existing strap.
I only mention this as you can often shear off earthing posts and bolts taking off the original strap when there is often another much easier pair of suitable earthing points between the chassis and engine.

Martin

[fairwynds]

....and yesterday the van wouldnt start AGAIN - same symptoms! Arrrrrggggggg!
Fully charged the battery overnight, still no start this morning. Turning key just gets a click from solenoid, and if headlights on, they dim a little, suggesting juice getting to starter (?).
Am at a loss..... and mightily fed up!

[jamesc76]

give the solenoid a thump with a hammer, if thats solves it its the solenoid sticking!

[kevtherev]

Is this a new starter..?
or a recon exchange unit?

[bmouthboyo]

Kevtherev can I just say thank you so much!

This forum for me encapsulates what the vision for the WWW originally must have been. Friendly people, helping each other out.

Thank you so much, 2 mint earth straps arrived today. Legend

[KINGPRAWN]

not sure how related this is but on the poor starting issue i have several years of experiance under my belt not to mention hundreds of pounds bills which all solved nothing!!!....to cut to the last page of the final chapter it all turned out to be that pissy arsed little bush on the starter motor( although i replaced the whole starter). it seems the the enging was just spinning too slowly...simple as that...flooding before it could pick up.if i didn't get it to catch immediatly....forget it , come back tomorrow try again

[Aidan]

....and yesterday the van wouldnt start AGAIN - same symptoms! Arrrrrggggggg!
Fully charged the battery overnight, still no start this morning. Turning key just gets a click from solenoid, and if headlights on, they dim a little, suggesting juice getting to starter (?).
Am at a loss..... and mightily fed up!

crap starter, if reconditioned then they didn't fit a new cap to the solenoid which is the most important thing IMHO, where did you get it from ? and as noted you should replace the bush in the bellhousing when fitting new starter and recon stater should come with a new bush, if not then the reconners aren't doing the job properly - if it isn't a self supported starter then the bush must be replaced - it is replaced as part of the refurb in a self supported one like a diesel

[fairwynds]

Hi
it was a Bosch recon unit, and did come with a new oilite bush (soaked and fitted).
Having gone through everything to do with the starting and charging systems, and replaced with new over the last 6 months, the final result was that the long wire from the join (behind fuse box) all the way back to the solenoid (exciter wire) must have built up resistance through its age. We have fitted a 40A relay in the engine bay, and problem solved. As and when I drop the fuel tank to do that refurb, I will rewire the long cable anyway.
Starts 1st time, evertime now.....
Fingers crossed..

FW

Thanks EVERYBODY, for the advice, ideas, encouragment and support..