Importance of earths

[ermie571]

Hi all,

1.9 dg unmolested. Early cooling system.

right folks.

Its not starting. Was being driven yesterday, and cut out on the hills. Daughter and partner new to this game....got it going again. Ran well, then died again. Left it last night, I went to have a look this morning.

so, fuel filter filthy - changed.
But, now not starting. Red lights on dash. Battery static at 12.?? volts, dropped to 11.46 at position 1, so should at least try and start.

few clicks .... so considering starter motor issues?
tried again.....nothing. Earth issues? Ignition switch issues?

so - looked at battery earth....looks good

My question is...if the gearbox earth or engine earth is not present, will this stop it starting or even trying to start?

Thanks

xx

[tonytech]

Flat battery.

[lloydy]

Does their van have mains hook up? the type that charges both batteries? If so, plug it in so it charges the starter and give it a go. 11. something volts is very flat

[ermie571]

ahhh thanks folks.

looks like a jump start is in order then

regards

Emma

[ermie571]

The addition of petrol and my own starter battery (must be love if I'm taking my van apart for them!) and its running!

battery on charge.....but only a 65amhr thing.....needs to be bigger I reckon.

Thanks to those that e-mailed and offered much support and advice.

I do love this club

xx

[California Dreamin]

Acording to the book 64ah is higher capacity than is required for a wasserboxer engine but as you say, on replacement I would personally fit a Code 100 which tend to be 71 - 74ah.
As for the earth strap question, you absolutely must have a stonking good earth lead on the engine to 'Complete' the return circuit to the battery and as a petrol starter draws in the region of 150amps those connections need to be better than good.
The wasserboxer design also suffers from alot of voltage drop at the starter motor because of the distance between the battery box and engine...further exagerating any weaknesses in the starter circuit.

Martin

[jamesc76]

easy way to see if it is the earth strap, take a jump lead from a good point on the engine to a good part of the chassis, it fires up fine its the earth!

[ermie571]

you absolutely must have a stonking good earth lead on the engine to 'Complete' the return circuit to the battery and as a petrol starter draws in the region of 150amps those connections need to be better than good.

Thank you. I didn't know that. All is good at the moment...but will be on the list of little jobs to do that don't cost the earth, but protect and prevent....
Em
x

[ghost123uk]

easy way to see if it is the earth strap, take a jump lead from a good point on the engine to a good part of the chassis, it fires up fine its the earth!

Or from the good metal point on the engine straight to the negative, (braided wire /earth side / -ve), terminal on the battery. (extras in there just to MAKE SURE you don't put it on the live (+ve / Red) terminal by mistake !!!! )

[ermie571]

easy way to see if it is the earth strap, take a jump lead from a good point on the engine to a good part of the chassis, it fires up fine its the earth!

Or from the good metal point on the engine straight to the negative, (braided wire /earth side / -ve), terminal on the battery. (extras in there just to MAKE SURE you don't put it on the live (+ve / Red) terminal by mistake !!!! )

hmmmm.....that would be one hell of a jump lead!!! lol xxx