HELP Van wont start

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T25Kenward
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HELP Van wont start

Post by T25Kenward »

I have been having really bad problems trying to start. I have replaced the battery, starter and gearbox earth and cleaned all contact points.

I have fitted a new starter motor.

I have tried 4 different batteries (fully charged).

But when i try and start it gives symptons of flat battery. It will jump start from another car. When running i have 13.5v at the battery so alternator appears to be working.

ignition timing has been checked also valve clearences.

I don't no what else to try am i missing something.

van is a 1981 2.0 ltr CU
1981 2.0ltr CU Aircooled Autohomes Ci

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SamsBus2012
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Re: HELP Van wont start

Post by SamsBus2012 »

Main lead from battery to starter?
Tom (aka Matt)
1986 Hightop with 1.9dg 4spd. The boys call him "Magnus"

T25Kenward
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Re: HELP Van wont start

Post by T25Kenward »

SamsBus2012 wrote:Main lead from battery to starter?

That was the last thing i could think of does any one no where i can get one from. My battery is under the drivers seat so the cable needs to be at least 1.5m approx.
1981 2.0ltr CU Aircooled Autohomes Ci

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sarran1955
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Re: HELP Van wont start

Post by sarran1955 »

Hello

T25Kenward wrote:I have been having really bad problems trying to start. I have replaced the battery, starter and gearbox earth and cleaned all contact points.

I have fitted a new starter motor.

I have tried 4 different batteries (fully charged).

But when i try and start it gives symptons of flat battery.

What are the symptoms...turning very slowly.. or just going click click.. :?:

Does the ignition light come on when you switch on.. :?:

What are these batteries.. have you checked their condition.. :?:

try them on another vehicle.. :wink:

It will jump start from another car. When running i have 13.5v at the battery so alternator appears to be working.

Try the battery from that vehicle or a new new one.
ignition timing has been checked also valve clearences.

I don't no what else to try am i missing something.

Test for a good continuity (low ohms) on your main battery to starter cable.. but also look at the ignition switch to solenoid cable.
van is a 1981 2.0 ltr CU

Aircooled bliss.... 8)

Cordialement

:ok
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nobbyfox
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Re: HELP Van wont start

Post by nobbyfox »

13.5 volts seems a bit low for a healthy alternator
Westfalia pop-top 1990 1.6JX

T25Kenward
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Re: HELP Van wont start

Post by T25Kenward »

sarran1955 wrote:Hello

T25Kenward wrote:I have been having really bad problems trying to start. I have replaced the battery, starter and gearbox earth and cleaned all contact points.

I have fitted a new starter motor.

I have tried 4 different batteries (fully charged).

But when i try and start it gives symptons of flat battery.

What are the symptoms...turning very slowly.. or just going click click.. :?:

Does the ignition light come on when you switch on.. :?:

What are these batteries.. have you checked their condition.. :?:

try them on another vehicle.. :wink:

It will jump start from another car. When running i have 13.5v at the battery so alternator appears to be working.

Try the battery from that vehicle or a new new one.
ignition timing has been checked also valve clearences.

I don't no what else to try am i missing something.

Test for a good continuity (low ohms) on your main battery to starter cable.. but also look at the ignition switch to solenoid cable.
van is a 1981 2.0 ltr CU

Aircooled bliss.... 8)

Cordialement

:ok

ok the symptoms are turning very slowly.

The ignition light does come on.

I have 3 fully charged diesel van batteries and a brand new battery from GSF.

I will test the continuity tomorrow morning and check out the solenoid feed.

Can i not by pass the solenoid lead with a jumper cable to take it out of the equation.
1981 2.0ltr CU Aircooled Autohomes Ci

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CovKid
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Re: HELP Van wont start

Post by CovKid »

Check connections each end VERY carefully.

Further reading: https://club8090.co.uk/wiki/VW ... ain_cables" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Roller paint your camper at home: http://roller.epizy.com/55554/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; for MP4 download.

T25Kenward
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Re: HELP Van wont start

Post by T25Kenward »

Heres an update.

I have changed the main power cable to the starter and this cured the starting issue.

I then drove for 12 miles stopped at the petrol station and she really struggled to turn over. Had to bump start to get her home she started fine and ran fine. Checked battery when i got home showing 12.5v and drops to 10v when you try to start but wont turn engine over when hot.
1981 2.0ltr CU Aircooled Autohomes Ci

California Dreamin
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Re: HELP Van wont start

Post by California Dreamin »

The oilite bush that supports the armature in the bell housing (gearbox side) has worn oval, allowing the pinion gear to push out of alignment with the ring gear...common issue.

Martin
1989 California 2.1MV

T25Kenward
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Re: HELP Van wont start

Post by T25Kenward »

California Dreamin wrote:The oilite bush that supports the armature in the bell housing (gearbox side) has worn oval, allowing the pinion gear to push out of alignment with the ring gear...common issue.

Martin

I have replaced the bush.

And it is still the same.
1981 2.0ltr CU Aircooled Autohomes Ci

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