van not cranking over

[greglad]

i have a 1.6 td, 1988. the other day i went out in the van and did about 5 miles. then later on that night went to the chippy, which is only about 1/2 mile away and it seemed to struggle abit starting, but it did start. then after getting my chippy, i got back in van and it was dead. all the lights was working fine but the engine would not crank over. i got a tow home and the next day charged the battery up, thinking this was the end. i tired to start it up but again, nothing. as i live on a hill a friend surggested i try to bump start it. this does start it up. so my question is, do i need a new starter or could it be some thing else? before i go spending 100 and odd pounds on a new one. cheers ste.

[R0B]

i would definitely be looking at the starter before anything else.before buying a new one consider taking yours to a local auto electrician to get it refurbished.

[jamesc76]

When you turn the key does nothing at all happen???? Put the lights on and see if they go dim as you turn the key, if it does I would look at the braided earth lead from the nose of the gearbox make sure its there and in good condition, plus check the wires to the starter are all good and clean connection wise! If its cranking and not doing owt then look at the glow plug side of things .

[monkeynut]

Have a look at the thin wire with the slide/spade connector on the solenoid the terminal sometimes rots and breaks as all kinds of crap(salt &water) gets thrown up there, See pic (petrol starter but you get the idea)
http://www.relitech.com/tech/clutch/starter1.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[clartsonly]

I have never tried it but if you put a screwdriver (make sure you hold the pastic handle) across the two nuts on the solenoid you are simulating the key turn, and will know whether the main battery power is getting to the starter, then it may be something to do with the wiring / solenoid failure