Club 80-90 Forums

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

Main lead from battery to starter?

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.

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..

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....

Cordialement

13.5 volts seems a bit low for a healthy alternator

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..

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....

Cordialement

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.

Check connections each end VERY carefully.

Further reading: https://club8090.co.uk/wiki/VW ... ain_cables" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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.

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

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.