starting problems, how do i use my voltmeter?

Post by **kathyshack** » 02 Jan 2008, 20:42

having problems starting the van. starter making strange noise each time i try to start. like its turning slow but then fast. Luckily it has eventually started every time, but its getting harder. Almost broke down on petrol forecourt yesterday. eventually got it started by getting people in back of van to bounce whilst i tried to start it, but thought i smelt a bit of a burning smell. more i tried the more it seemed to struggle too, (like a flat battery type scenario)so not sure if battery is not fully charged etc. I need to check the earths as i believe they could be dirty or loose possibly, but not had chance yet. I have a volt meter but have no idea how to use it. I've put a picture if it below, so if some kind soul can explain to me how to use it, that woud be great then i can check it out.
thanks, kathy

[img

768]http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f206/ ... 007013.jpg[/img]

Post by **maximus** » 02 Jan 2008, 20:45

That sound like your starter motor is it petrol or diesel?

Post by **kathyshack** » 02 Jan 2008, 20:51

petrol 1.9dg 1988. had a new starter motor fitted from gsf 18 months ago...

Post by **Grun** » 02 Jan 2008, 21:12

Kathyshack,

Basic 1-2-3 Doh...... for the multimeter is ....

1. Plug black lead into socket marked 'COM-' (lower right)
2. Plug red lead into socket marked 'V ohms mA' (Next up)
3. Turn selector three clicks ANTI CLOCKWISE from the 'off' position to '20'

and you are ready to check DC volts (up to 20 volts)

Don't forget to switch off the meter when you have finished to save the internal battery.

I don't know how to find the symbol for ohms on my keyboard. (Chronologically challenged as I am!!)

Sombody better qualified electrically will be along to guide you further, (and correct me no doubt) in a minute or three.

Mike

Post by **Rozzo** » 02 Jan 2008, 21:15

turn the centre knob 3 clicks left to the 20 mark,,, that will then read 0 to 20 volts dc.
stick the black lead into the bottom hole (marked common) and the red lead into the middle hole then just press the black probe onto battery negative and the red probe onto battery positive.
this will read battery voltage which should be around 12 without engine running and around 13-14 with engine running.
cheers
julian

Post by **Grun** » 02 Jan 2008, 21:19

Just like I said........ presxactley three minutes.

Thanks Rozzo.

Post by **edoh** » 02 Jan 2008, 21:28

connect as above -
engine off - 12v plus reading - should mean battery charged and will turn over engine -
engine running - 13 + reading should mean alternator charging battery ok -
wiuld need to look elsewhere -
your right about checking leads (esp the ones on top of starter motor/earth leads/ etc) - and check up on wiki 'reluctant starting' - really useful ideas about what to look out for -

Post by **kathyshack** » 02 Jan 2008, 21:36

Thanks guys! Always wondered how to use it! he he he, only had it about 12 months!!

Post by **kathyshack** » 03 Jan 2008, 13:52

Van has let me down today and wouldn't start at all. battery was 12.5 volts so thats fine. after trying stuff above- wigling wires and stuff etc i had to call the aa out as i was desperate.
The AA man came. he checked all the earths and said starter motor at fault. How long should they last? I replaced it less than 18 months ago...
he said it was getting too hot and also mentioned the earth strap from the battery was getting hot but prob down to the excessive draw from starter motor.
the wire to the ignition had come off the starter motor. he reattached it and the motor was sounding gravelly (his words). Its not turning over enough and then is draining THE battery. he hit it a few times with a hammer and had to attach one fo those battery packs to give it some extra umf to get it started.
this is what aa man has written...

non start - battery shows 12.5 volts falling to 8 volts on crank. starter motor drawin 400 amps. starter motor worn. no excess volt drop found.avise to have have starter chcked and repaced asap.

do you reckon he's right on THE starter motor front? They're not cheap so don't want to have to buy another one if it isn't that. Bit stuck now as its our only vehicle. I've parked it on the hill outside so i can at least bump start it.

any advice appreciated,
kathy

Post by **Grun** » 03 Jan 2008, 15:11

Kathyshack,
Have a look here...for Worn Bush.

https://club8090.co.uk/wiki/VW ... rter_motor

I have not experienced this problem (yet!) but there have been plenty of threads from peeps who have.

Haynes electrical manual ...Him say.... ''Starter current consumption can be as high as 450 amps under worst conditions."

Got to.. go neigbour just rang doorbell..Michael I can't get my Porsche started!!!! Bloody pest.

Post by **kathyshack** » 03 Jan 2008, 15:24

thanks grun,
could be a worn bush possibly hey? I did have a new one of those fitted wen i had to replace my gearbox. prob about 2.5 years ago now. eee, must have had camper a while now if problems are coming round again hey?! bloody van!

Post by **Sven** » 03 Jan 2008, 18:20

Hi Kathy
Same thing happened to me recently. After a lot of hassle and even replacing the battery it ended up the being the bush at the rear of the starter as well the gearbox bush. The starter spins like a demon now where it was really lazy, thereby me thinking the battery was on the way out.
Cheers
Sven

Post by **kathyshack** » 03 Jan 2008, 19:37

ah, so theres 2 bushes? i know the gearbox one was replaced, when after we had THE gearbox done, but when i had the starter motor fitted last time, i had to take it to a local place who probably didn't put a new one on. mmm, food for thought. Cheers
kathy

Post by **Hacksawbob** » 04 Jan 2008, 00:34

There is one inside the bell housing. This is the 20p ring that you leave to soak overnight in oil should have been done when fitting and is probably what you mean by the gearbox one. I am not aware of one in the starter motor itself but I guess there must be a point of contact somewhere in there and that would be the bush I guess, but that should have been done when reconditioned, 2.5 years is no time for a starter motor.

Post by **kathyshack** » 04 Jan 2008, 22:00

Can anyone confirm about these bushes? are there 2 or just one? just looked on gsf and it lists 90103 STARTER MOTOR BUSH T25 (Manual) >11/90 £1.00. Do we think this is the part?
a starter motor is £84.50 so it'd obviously be better if its just the bush!
Anyone know if you can buy parts from gsf and if you don't need them take themback? Could do with the van running again asap, so wondering whether to go gsf and get parts tomoz and just take em to a local garage..
kathy

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starting problems, how do i use my voltmeter?

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