Page 1 of 3
Van's not starting
Posted: 25 Jan 2010, 10:54
by binka
and I don't know why!
I don't think its the battery as its turning over, though I've connected a battery charger to see if that helps. I haven't driven the van for 2 months.
What else do I need to be looking at? Its meant to be getting MOT'd tomorrow and at this rate I'm worried we won't even get there.
Re: Van's not starting
Posted: 25 Jan 2010, 10:57
by binka
Its diesel if that makes any difference. <clueless>
Re: Van's not starting
Posted: 25 Jan 2010, 11:36
by armyphil
fuel if you havent started it for a while maybe it may have drained bacxk down the lines??
electrical see if your getting current to your fuel cut off it may be the connector has corroded or fallen off?
is it turning over like it used to quickly and possitivly??
what type of diesel engine??
Re: Van's not starting
Posted: 25 Jan 2010, 11:42
by T'Onion
Is the glow plug light coming on and going off ?
Like Phil says if the fuel has drained back it will take a while cranking it over to get it started
Re: Van's not starting
Posted: 25 Jan 2010, 11:51
by binka
Its a 1.9 diesel (not turbo)
The glow plug light comes on then goes off.
Where do I find the fuel cut off?
If its fuel if I just keep trying should it work? It sounds more sluggish than normal.
Re: Van's not starting
Posted: 25 Jan 2010, 13:20
by fullsunian
Sounds like its just not turning over fast enough to start, put battery on charge and retry or borrow a jump pack and try again.
Don't worry about tomorrow, just let me know
IAN
Re: Van's not starting
Posted: 25 Jan 2010, 15:54
by binka
Will try a jump start when hubby gets home this evening.
Re: Van's not starting
Posted: 25 Jan 2010, 18:59
by Doctor Foster
binka wrote:Will try a jump start when hubby gets home this evening.
oo er missus

Re: Van's not starting
Posted: 25 Jan 2010, 19:02
by binka
Hubby says its best to wait till morning so if it goes I can drive it straight to MOT. So no jump start for me tonight.
Ian I'll ring you in the morning if its going to be a no show but I'm hoping it'll be OK. I ran the battery charger for 4 hours but then had to go out. I tried it after 4 hours and though it didn't start it sounded better. Fingers crossed.
Re: Van's not starting
Posted: 26 Jan 2010, 00:15
by toolsntat
Could this be an earthing problem??
The way I started mine with a earthing problem was to use a long lead (a thick jump lead as it happens) and connect straight from the negative of the battery (still with earth connected) to the case of the engine and it spun like a good un
The faulty earth was the braided cable that connects the gearbox to the chassis
Andy
Re: Van's not starting
Posted: 26 Jan 2010, 08:29
by binka
Still not starting. Its not the battery as jump start not worked. There is quite a bit of white smoke coming out exhaust.
Re: Van's not starting
Posted: 26 Jan 2010, 08:34
by andisnewsyncro
toolsntat wrote:Could this be an earthing problem??
The way I started mine with a earthing problem was to use a long lead (a thick jump lead as it happens) and connect straight from the negative of the battery (still with earth connected) to the case of the engine and it spun like a good un
The faulty earth was the braided cable that connects the gearbox to the chassis
Andy
Sounds a possibility, I had a series 3 Landy that would only start from cold with an extra earth
Re: Van's not starting
Posted: 26 Jan 2010, 11:11
by binka
Have tried the extra earth - no luck. Hubby reckons the white smoke is unburnt diesel so could it be a compression problem?
Battery is fine - have got a gadget that measures it and its got 12v.
Re: Van's not starting
Posted: 26 Jan 2010, 11:39
by Oldiebut goodie
Sounds like the usual glow plugs not working scenario.
Re: Van's not starting
Posted: 26 Jan 2010, 11:41
by binka
Would damp start spray be worth a try?