Non start - electrical problems - solved!

[Ralf85]

Ok as expected the relay arrived and has made no difference. So, I am now awaiting a recovery truck to take me to the auto electrics shop.

[lloydy]

Long shot but i did have a very similar problem a few years back, turn the key to start the engine and just a click. A few attempts and it would normally work. Traced it to a loose earth connection from the battery to engine block (diesel so battery in back) Found it by going out to the van when it was dark, have someone turn the key, and i saw the arc from the loose earth.

[Ralf85]

Thank you again for your suggestions guys.

Got to the auto electrics shop at 3.30pm. I told them of the symptoms. Unlike the original breakdown guy, the South African sparks went straight to the engine compartment. After 30 minutes I got the prognosis. In a nutshell the starter motor had failed, so that has been replaced. They also checked out my worries about the alternator. The alternator itself was fine but the rectifier was faulty, so they just replaced that. I'm glad that I've kept my original bosch alternator. So I drove the van home again with a smile on my face at 6.00pm this evening.

Based on being referred to the company by my mate in the trade and the driver of today's flatbed truck and my own experience today, I am very happy with the service provided. The Company is called Sahibs Auto Electrics and is just behind the Hangar Lane gyratory on the North Circular Road. They are open 6 days a week from 9.30am - 6.00pm Monday - Saturday. The total cost for a couple of hours of labour plus parts including VAT was £206. A good price for this part of the world I think.

[scottbott]

glad you are all sorted

[Ralf85]

Cheers mate. The sudden failure of the starter motor was a new experience for me. However, the alternator has been a niggling problem for quite some time. It was charging batteries but never fully. Fixed now.

[silverbullet]

Unlike the original breakdown guy, the South African sparks went straight to the engine compartment.