Club 80-90 Forums

Hi,
Just a quick post in between feeds!
My brothers van has just been for a service and MOT which it passed, which is great! It has been stood since last vanfest so it was a huge relief. The guy has said however that the rear brakes are binding slightly and that you need a special tool to get to them, so he can't fix them.
Also, we have had a few problems starting it, despite putting a new battery in about 5 or 6 weeks ago. It appears to be flat every time we come to start it. My uncle got it going using one of those power pack things, but each time we come to start it, it appears to be flat again. Should a battery loose all its charge this quickly? Mine has been stood for ages and starts first time, and has exactly the same battery etc. Could there be something which is drawing a charge from the van battery when its stood still, and if so, how would i find out what it was?
The mechanic also said that the starter motor is on the way out too. Would this have any effect on the battery?
Just trying to get it in a fit state again for the summer. Any idea of idea of cost of changing the starter motor, and if there are any checks to make sure that it is actually on its way out before we buy a new one? We had to take thte van to a normal mechanic as opposed to a vw specialist, as its impossible at the moment for me to get it to any of the usual specialists, what with having had the baby etc
Thanks in advance
kathy

Suggest get the connections on the starter checked, duff connections can lead to lazy starting.
Your battery should not discharge itself over night! Its either not charging or there is something draining it, have you got a leisure battery? My father had a duff LB and it was taking all the juice out of the main battery, new LB and no problems since.
Are there any sneaky lights left on somewhere? or fridge?

Special tool to get to the back brakes? I used a screwdriver (to back off the shoes) and a rubber mallet (to wang the brake and loosen it up), I would have had to use a small spanner to take out the two little bolts on each side if I hadn't removed them before fitting my wheels ( ).

Is he havering or have I missed something?

Horza wrote:
Is he havering or have I missed something?

yes..............no

Perhaps he thinks you need a 46 (?) mm socket to get the drum off, many people assume this by looking at it and not knowing, me included a few years back!

kerr

kathy I'd be prepared to take it over to Simon Baxter's for him.