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Issue Starting the Bus

Posted: 07 Aug 2016, 13:47
by ArvonW
Hey all,

I had an issue 3 weeks or so ago whereby the ignition switch was faulty so i replaced it and the van started perfectly.

Come to go to he V Dub event at Tatton Park today and the issue seems to have returned. Turn the key and you get the click by the fusebox and nothing else.

I took the liberty of ordering another ignition switch off Brickwerks so hopefully that is the issue.

My question would be - is there likely to be something shorting the ignition switch out or may i have just a had a duff switch?

Many thx in advance.

Arvon

Re: Issue Starting the Bus

Posted: 07 Aug 2016, 14:17
by CovKid
Check the starter trigger wire underneath the camper. Ten to one its that.

Re: Issue Starting the Bus

Posted: 07 Aug 2016, 14:40
by ArvonW
Hi Mate,

thx for the reply.

Id id have a butchers at the connectors on the starter and they all seem to be fitted correctly.

Will have another look though.

Re: Issue Starting the Bus

Posted: 07 Aug 2016, 14:42
by CovKid
Its tight to get under there if you're camped. You can just about get to it in engine bay at a stretch.

Re: Issue Starting the Bus

Posted: 07 Aug 2016, 14:43
by CovKid
See if you can borrow a meter and check state of charge on your battery too.

Re: Issue Starting the Bus

Posted: 07 Aug 2016, 20:22
by bigherb
CovKid wrote:Its tight to get under there if you're camped. You can just about get to it in engine bay at a stretch.
How do you do that on an Aircooled engine?

Re: Issue Starting the Bus

Posted: 08 Aug 2016, 12:17
by CovKid
Ah in that case, stretch armstrong :)

Re: Issue Starting the Bus

Posted: 08 Aug 2016, 13:24
by ArvonW
Update:

doesn't look like it is the ignition switch, each time i turn the key to crank the engine a fuse is blowing.

Had tow ball electrics fitted a few weeks ago and the fuse that is popping is the one they have used for the electrics.

have 12 fuses in all and it is the 4th from the right, got a local garage going to have a look as i am crap on electrics.

Re: Issue Starting the Bus

Posted: 08 Aug 2016, 15:05
by bigherb
Fuse 7 should be a spare fuse normally used for accessories, it shouldn't affect the ignition or the starter unless someone has done a rewire wrong.

Re: Issue Starting the Bus

Posted: 08 Aug 2016, 17:57
by CovKid
Concentrate on starter - thats dooable at home and first port of call if its not turning over. Check braided wire between solenoid and starter hasn't rotted away. Thats also a common failure point. Said this many times but far too many starters end up getting replaced that either need new brushes (about a fiver) or a new solenoid - £30. Thats a good deal cheaper than £100 - £200 for a new starter and still less than putting one in for refurb.

Re: Issue Starting the Bus

Posted: 10 Aug 2016, 14:26
by ArvonW
Starter is fooked, had a guy from local garage check it over and after trial and erroer deduced the starter was blowing the fuse, new starter on order., have had intermittent issues with it since had van, solenoid had to be rebuilt so opted for a new one just to save hassle.

Re: Issue Starting the Bus

Posted: 10 Aug 2016, 16:13
by CovKid
Theres a surprise

Re: Issue Starting the Bus

Posted: 11 Aug 2016, 13:38
by ArvonW
How easy are they to replace for a novice, or, is it worth letting the professionals do it??

Re: Issue Starting the Bus

Posted: 11 Aug 2016, 14:32
by CovKid
Easy. Two bolts plus transfer connectors, although they normally come with a new starter bush which you should change. Search for "oilite bush" on here so you know how to get old one out.