Starter Motor Problem

[Daisy2012]

I have developed a problem in the 6 weeks since I last drove My T25 Autosleeper Trooper. I went to start it last week and turned the key and nothing happened. Flat battery I thought. It sits in a garage over winter and I occasionally start van up. I've had it 3 years 3 months and not sure how old the battery is . It could be around 5 years so should I be thinking of changing it anyway?.

Anyway the battery I charged up and then connected it up but no joy . Just a slight crank of starter and then dead again. Frustrated I then checked with a meter the reading on the battery which read around 9v which I thought was a bit low as my Ford Focus was over 12v stationary without engine running. I then jump connected from my car engine running and got 13v on the reading in the van battery. BUT even with this the starter motor really struggled to turn sounding like it was too stiff to turn. Eventually it started and I disconnected the jump leads and let camper run for 40 minutes. Drove in and out of garage and then turned off to see if it started . It did once JUST but second try it wouldn't turn the starter again.

Just been to look at tonight again and still wont turn at all .the reading is 11v on meter.

I am not technical but just want to know if :-

1) The battery should be replaced anyway ? It seems to be a bit undercharged at times and is old. If so whats the best spec to go for for a standard campervan set up?

2) Does it sound like the starter motor needs replacing ? I was surprised when it was jump started that it still barely turned over. It look old , should it spin frrely if juice? Not exactly sure how I check with a meter at the starter motor end.

I haven't checked the connections other than in battery compartment. If it started would this indicate that this is not the problem?

Look forward to some help as not sure what to do first !!

Thanks

Simon

[itchyfeet]

Yep battery is knackered, change it
if it's petrol usual batt is 096
I just got an exide 71Ah 096 about 60 quid

read the voltage vs charge table here..http://www.energymatters.com.au/compone ... discharge/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Oldiebut goodie]

By starting it up regularly you have effectively depleted the battery without replacing the charge. I agree that battery is 9v toast now. Next time add recharging the battery to the lay-up regimen.

[Daisy2012]

Thanks for the advices , new battery then Any benefit in a more powerful one . I just put reg in for battery on Halfords site 500A AH56 £65 . 550A 60AH £75
Any benefit in the bigger capacity one . current one is 480A 68AH. Not exactly sure about numbers!

[CovKid]

Halfords is the last place I'd go to buy a battery. Euro Car Parts do a much better deal. You'll certainly get a bigger battery for less than that. The Exide 096 one is popular.

As it goes, my starter isn't playing ball. Having to take tomorrow morning off to suss out whats wrong....

[Daisy2012]

Yeah fair enough I'll head to euro car parts

[California Dreamin]

Sorry guys...not to undo your good work but be very careful when advising members to buy UK Type 096 batteries. These are often standard height (190mm tall) which won't fit into the battery box (lid shut) on petrol vans.

The problem is further complicated as many sellers quote type 096 as being the same as type 100 written as 096/100 ... Type 100 batteries ARE the correct 'low profile you want, where as Type 096 are usually taller standard height 190mm. (not all but most)

Type 065/075 were standard on petrol engine models.
recommended upgrade is:
Type 100 (not 096) unless its 175mm tall

Different for Diesel models as the battery tray in the engine bay has a lot more scope for larger batteries.

This one would be fine:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Genuine-OE-Ca ... 2c8790fea5" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ALPINA-BMW-HO ... 2edaf9f7cc" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Martin

[Daisy2012]

Thanks for the updates . Reading about them 175mm is maximum height I want to go for. I've got my eye on exide 61AH 600CCA battery which is an 075 type not type 100 . They do the type 100 which is a bit longer I think. snug fit. Would there be much noticable difference? I have petrol not diesel. Got a leisure battery fitted already for auxillary equipment. final question on batteries honest!

cheers

[California Dreamin]

Halfords is the last place I'd go to buy a battery. Euro Car Parts do a much better deal. You'll certainly get a bigger battery for less than that. The Exide 096 one is popular.

Under normal circumstances I would agree, however Halfords do price match ... even with EuroCarParts 'like for like' so Halfords 3 year gaurantee range would be matched against the cheapest from Euro.

My daughter needed a new battery on a Sunday....Halfords matched EuroCarParts lowest price on the battery type for her Vauxhall Tigra. He just looked on the internet to get the comparison in order to 'price match' .

Martin

[California Dreamin]

Thanks for the updates . Reading about them 175mm is maximum height I want to go for. I've got my eye on exide 61AH 600CCA battery which is an 075 type not type 100 . They do the type 100 which is a bit longer I think. snug fit. Would there be much noticable difference? I have petrol not diesel. Got a leisure battery fitted already for auxillary equipment. final question on batteries honest!

cheers

075 standard fitment......Type 100 upgrade (more umph) but I doubt you would notice any difference just re-assurance that your van will crank over for longer if you have any issues.
Type 100 batteries are around 278mm wide and the absolute maximum width in the VW battery box (behind the seats) is 310mm ... so there is still a little room either side.

Here's a decent 075

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VARTA-D59-TYP ... 3a87b82f56" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Its the CCA (cold cranking amps) that count...
There looks to be about £10 different between a reasonable quality 075 & type 100

Martin