Problems starting still - not anymore!!!!!!

[LittleMissSunshine]

Evening everyone - I have read the wiki about starting problems for petrol T25s and basically my van answers 'yes' to all - but still has trouble starting.

All the dash lights work well, ignition turns and I hear a click - sometimes it can take 6 or so goes to hear any kind of engine firing up after the click. Once started it is usually ok for the rest of the day - and better the next day.

However today - we left the van for 3 hours as we went on our mountain bikes and it took 6 goes again?? It was cold and very wet if that is a clue?

Any advice gratefully received

This may be down to me still being new at this but I am not sure. I don't want to keep pushing the accelerator all the time as I might flood the engine. Should I just give it loads of wellie?

[1664]

You should press the accelerator pedal once to open the choke but only when the engine is cold. If you keep your foot to the floor I think it may flood it. That's how it seemed to work on my 1.9 anyway. You say it goes 'click' - can you hear the starter turning the engine over?

[LittleMissSunshine]

Often there is a click and then silence - no sound like it is even going to make a noise - so then I wait, turn the key back and try again.

[Footprint]

Check solenoid & connections. If there's a click then the current is reachng the solenoid, but it's not operating, or at least not operating enough.

The starter is of the pre-engage type, which means the solenoid has two functions, it moves the gear on the starter to engage it with the flywheel ring gear, and as it reaches the end of it's travel and the gears are meshed it also closes the contacts that connect the battery to the starter motor. On yours when you turn the key the click is when the solenoid is energised, but it would appear that the solenoid contacts aren't closing, or possibly the heavy wiring on the solenoid is not tight/clean etc causing the motor itself not to be connected to the battery.

Another possible problem is voltage drop in the circuit; battery/ignition switch/solenoid, meaning the solenoid isn't getting full voltage and lessening it's ability to move the gear against the return spring pressure.

[Plasticman]

Its a bit like a handheld food mixer, first action is to insert in mix= your click, second it to operate whisk, this is the bit that is taking 6 clicks /goes, as footprint says..and sorry if its an obscure correlation, its that time of day..
mm

[jeffdub]

tjis happened to me and it was the cap on the end of the solenoid that had packed up it had a crack in it.I phoned around but was told i had to buy a complete starter as you cant get the solenoid seperately which isnt true ! give me a min and i'll put a link up for you if it is your solenoid thats gone

[jeffdub]

http://www.woodauto.com/Unit.aspx?Man=B ... 0001212208" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
if you scroll down the page you can get all the parts seperately

[LittleMissSunshine]

This forum is amazing! Thanks so much for all the advice. Just wish there was a T25 mechanic school I could enrole in to learn how to do all this stuff!!

Thanks everyone for your advice and patience. Helen

[CovKid]

Nothing like rolling your sleeves up and getting stuck in. Beats night classes. You're doing fine Helen.

[ghost123uk]

Helen,
Tip = Get a friend with a small hammer (or socket bar etc)
Get him / her positioned so he is ready to tap the solenoid.
(safety) = Get van in neutral gear !
(safety) = Put handbrake on hard !
(safety) = Double check van IS NOT IN GEAR !!
Turn key to get that click and hold the key in the full clockwise starting position.
Get the friend to hit the solenoid (or even starter motor) try it once or twice.
If it then starts to turn the engine, you have positivity identified a duff solenoid.

If it does not,

Once started it is usually ok for the rest of the day - and better the next day.

borrow a battery of a friends car, make VERY VERY sure you connect it up the right way around !!, you know RED to +ve terminal on battery and black or bare braided wire to -ve connection. Try it then.
( A low or failing battery can cause the solenoid to click but not have enough ummph to turn the engine over. )

As has been said, poor connections on the big fat wires around the battery or around the solenoid can cause this too. (safety) = When checking it is ESSENTIAL that you take off the earth connection off the battery whilst around the solenoid and starter with spanners. Believe me, you don't want to see the results of a short from a live wire to the body via a spanner !! Take care !

[the baron]

i have two you need to find the one your after





they come as kits seals etc £10 a piece + 3 postage or you could just but a new starter

[LittleMissSunshine]

Result!!!

I rang my mechanic friend today to chat about the engine not starting, popped it down - he stripped down the wiring to the starter motor, one bit had come away and needed cleaning....

.... When I arrived ... Vavooooommmmmmmm


Started like a dream

Best bit - the bill will be VERY small as no new parts were needed. Will get that man a beer

Even better bit - I had a conversation with him about starter motors, wiring - and did not feel too flummoxed!

Finally, even better bit - all fuel lines checked - so safe driving for me this year.

Happy days - thanks for all the advice and offers of help - fab forum, you should be proud of 80-90 x

[the baron]

Result!!!

I rang my mechanic friend today to chat about the engine not starting, popped it down - he stripped down the wiring to the starter motor, one bit had come away and needed cleaning....

.... When I arrived ... Vavooooommmmmmmm


Started like a dream

Best bit - the bill will be VERY small as no new parts were needed. Will get that man a beer

Even better bit - I had a conversation with him about starter motors, wiring - and did not feel too flummoxed!

Finally, even better bit - all fuel lines checked - so safe driving for me this year.

Happy days - thanks for all the advice and offers of help - fab forum, you should be proud of 80-90 x

thats good news