post MOT pass work for the winter assistance

[clartsonly]

Dylan passed his MOT without need for anywork although...

1. I did need to drive it for them as they couldn't get into 1st gear, is this an easy fix by replacing the linkage at the gearbox end.

2. They needed to bump start it after a few starts to move, I think the battery is fine it is the problem with the HOT engine and poor starting, eg no cranking voltage. it was perfectly fine once it had cooled down for 30 minutes. I have read a few pointers to change the whole starter motor or bypassing a certain wiring loom in order to get better cranking.. is there a proper answer to resolve this?

3. The only reason it was being switched off and on all the time in the MOT station was because it is still leaking water out of the expansion tank if it is left standing idling, now I have bled bled and bled the system again, changed the cap etc.. is there a sure way to make sure the system is fully bled?


Anyway bring on the winter camping


Thanks in advance for any assistance

[skell]

1. could be a number of things, sounds like you can get it into first but they couldn't? check linkage is properly adjusted first. this is described in haynes/bentley manuals or advice here

2. could be a number of things

a)check for voltage drop between battery and starter - should be negligable as its a big fat cable. if there is as drop replace the cable

b) check for voltage drop between battery and solenoid - shouldn't be much, if there is it can cured by runnng a new cable switched by a relay, relay operated by old feed to solenoid.

c) check earth strap between gear box and crossmember under van floor for good connections (often crusty and in need of a good clean/attach with wet and dry paper)

d) replace starter bush (when worn can cause slow turn of starter when hot) - this is what cured mine.

3. bleed the 'Baxter' way, raise revs, bleed, bleed and bleed again, topping up as necessary. drive round the block pref up and down hills to dislodge any airlocks. raise revs, bleed, bleed, bleed ad infinitum, til no bubbles emerge, you should then be done.[/url]

[clartsonly]

thanks for the reply..

I am particularly interested in the bush for starter motor, and I will try the baxter water bleeding method, the weird thing was that I am sure it has been fine idling after a long journey and not leaking water right up until me topping the overflow tank up to max.. I will also check the wiring as sometimes it seems to simply "click" instead of turning the engine over.