Club 80-90 Forums

I need a hand.

1990 T25 fairly new battery.

Over the past few weeks has been a bit slow to start, turn key and it fires then goes quiet before starting, I thought, ah starter! Removed starter and had an overhaul. I've just fitted it again, exactly how I removed it and now nothing. The van will jump start off of my passat and will continue running, but once switched off wont turn over.

I have the battery light on the dash constantly, which stayed on well before I had any problems.


Trying to get my head around it, i am told bush in bell housing (didnt change it when I did starter) or earth strap from gearbox to chassis, but as I am a buffoon, i cant find this possible offending item.

Can anyone point me somewhere sensible...please!?

Nook

earth strap is attached to the front gearbox mount

battery light says you've no alternator connection to dash or alternator foobarred hence no battery charging hence no grunt to start the engine, get a multimeter, learn how to use it and measure the voltage at the battery, you are looking for better than 12.3V, and then test it again with engine running and you should be getting 13.7V or thereabouts if alternator is charging

since it starts when being jumped don't worry about the bush as it must be ok for it to start

Hello,

if you've got a battery light on constantly on the dashboard then something's not right with the alternator and the battery isn't charging most probably. To be sure, once the van's started, check the voltage over the battery terminals and it should be around 14V - any less and the alternator's not charging the battery properly. If it is, then yes check your earths and all the wiring to the alternator and the brush pack. The strap to the gearbox is at the nose of the gearbox, front end and is connected to the chassis - get under the van and clean up and tighten the connections there.

The new bush in the bellhousing is a good idea, but won't be why it won't start at all - especially since it starts with a jump from another car.

Hope that helps a bit

Ewen

ha - Aidan just beat me to it I see! At least you've got two versions of roughly the same thing!

Thank you guys, I am learning fast, i'll check the strap and battery voltage and let you know, all good stuff.

Good luck with it - why don't you fill in you profile location and then you might find someone knowledgeable and helpful near you!

Sorted it,

Did a battery check and found that it dropped to 10.2 under load. I fitted the new alternator this afternoon and its back on track, thanks all once again.

Nook