snow stopped my van starting?

Post by **ally** » 28 Jan 2007, 12:02

Hey

When it snowed the other day, i went out and tried to start my van but it just kept turning over and nearly going. It got slower and slower untill the batterry died. I took the battery out and recharged it, its a new and powerful battery. Now it just clicks when i try to start it and doesnt turn over at all.

Is my starter motor dead? There was a burning smell after i tried to start it the first time.

Cheers

Ally

Post by **HarryMann** » 28 Jan 2007, 12:25

If it didn't spin it very fast, that is what you are saying, then:

1) the battery isn't being charged up enough (generator, leaving too long between runs, short runs, poor charging connections etc.);

2) the starter motor field windings are breaking down, new starter;

3) the starter motor bushing is worn badly, creating misalignment & high friction;

4 the engine earth straps/braids & connections need checking for high resistance, breakages (can double up gearbox straps);

5) the main starter motor lead /connextions needs checking for high resistance, breakages;

6) you bought a cheap or small battery or it never really got fully charged up.

NB. Locate the source of the burning smell ASAP. Could be the starter motor armature winding insulation getting hot, or more seriously a bad earth or damaged cable. This is probably No. 1 on your list, look for smoke and check the battery connections are good (clean and use Nocrode or vaseline on terminals - and be careful with shorts/sparks when a battery has been rapidly discharged, fumes, explosion).

Post by **ally** » 28 Jan 2007, 14:33

hey thanks for the reply. It did spin then it drained the battery - now it wont spin at all. There is a loud clicking noise when i turn the key..the lights go dim, but this always happens....

1) yes i have only been doing short runs lateley and because its cold its harder to get it started.

2) think this might be it

3) had a new bush put in in the summer, it was starting fine then.

4) how do i check this?

5) had all this rewired in the summer, connections look/feel solid

6) i got the biggest most powerful battery i could, £70

Post by **ally** » 28 Jan 2007, 15:48

i should mention its a subaru conversion

It was fine in the summer, since i had a new bush and an overhaul on it...

Post by **ally** » 28 Jan 2007, 22:43

ok so i read that it might be the power from my battery getting to the starter motor...how can i test?

Post by **toomanytoys** » 29 Jan 2007, 09:32

How old is the starter motor? could be that its died....

Post by **ally** » 29 Jan 2007, 09:43

its old, but i had it all cleaned up with a new bush as well.....

If it is that, is there anyway i can test on my own without paying £70 for RAC homestart?

Plus which motor is going to be the best replacement?

Post by **ally** » 31 Jan 2007, 00:01

bump!

How do i test to see if its the started motor? Short of buying a new one and trying it?

Post by **ally** » 31 Jan 2007, 20:16

its still not working, please help!

Post by **jamesc76** » 31 Jan 2007, 20:46

give the satrter motor a thump it could stuck worth a try aslo if your under there check the voltage at the thick cable which comes stright to the starter motor make sure as well its tight could be loose???

Post by **ally** » 01 Feb 2007, 20:32

Tried hitting it to no avail. Also tried rocking it in gear, still nothing.

I had all the connections done at a garage a few months back - there really solid.

What starter motor do you use with your conversion?