Annoying starting problem

[voodoopenguin]

I have a diesel camper and it has a bit of an annoying habit. I turn the ignition on and then after waiting for the preheat light to go out I turn more to start. Sometimes the engine turns and it starts perfectly but quite often there is nothing. I turn the ignition off and try again and maybe it will turn the engine and start or nothing. I persist and so far it has always started and it has never taken more than five attempts. It doesn't seem to matter whether it's hot or cold and although, as I said, it does always start this problem doesn't inspire confidence.

Any thoughts on a possible reason?

Paul

Norfolk Broads

[ewenmaclean]

Hello,

from this I read that the starter isn't turning the engine over at all. Is that right and if so is there just a click? If so then among the multifarious reasons the most likely is probably a bad earth or live connection to the starter and solenoid. Check the earth strap to the nose of the gearbox, check the live from the solenoid to the starter itself. If there's no click then you may have a problem getting live to the solenoid - check the ignition switch and maybe try hotwiring in a non-damaging way - not that you should know how to do that of course.

There is also the possibility of the insert ring in the bellhousing causing the starter not to turn - or possibly starter bush problems.

Hope that helps a bit

Ewen

[voodoopenguin]

That gives me something to work on, thank you.

Paul