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My Van Wont Start.

Posted: 29 Oct 2011, 12:40
by OddJobBob
Hi All

This is my first post so hello everyone. Myself and my wife own a D reg (1986?) Autosleeper poptop conversion 1.9 DG. We have three kids who sleep in the van with us and a dog! It has been trouble free-ish for most of the year that we have owned it. I have noticed over about the last month that the starter motor feels sluggish. The other day while we were out for the day, it failed to start. Turn the key and nothing, not even a click from the solenoid. Luckily I had parked on a hill and bump started the van. Back home, I switched her off and tried to start. Again, nothing. Not even a click. I have checked power to the back of the starter and there is plenty - 12.5v. When the ignition is turned to the start position, I get 12.5v at the exciter wire (I think that is what the little wire to the spade connector is called). I have pulled the starter from the van and connected it to the battery with jump leads. Touching a temporary wire from the exciter to the positive jump lead gives me nothing, not even a click from the solenoid. I have noticed that the spindle seems to have a lot of lateral play - several millimetres. I guessing the starter is dead. Does this sound right? Are there any other checks I should do first?

Also, here is a photo of the bush - does it need replacing.

Image

Many thanks

Rob.

Re: My Van Wont Start.

Posted: 29 Oct 2011, 13:05
by Mickyfin
If the starter is not responding off the van when connected up, then it sounds like it is indeed the starter that has died. Either get it reconditioned, or buy a new one.

Re: My Van Wont Start.

Posted: 29 Oct 2011, 17:15
by kevtherev
...and change the bush while you are there.

details in the wiki

Re: My Van Wont Start.

Posted: 30 Oct 2011, 11:23
by OddJobBob
Thanks for the replies. I better stick my hand in my pocket
Cheers

Rob

Re: My Van Wont Start.

Posted: 01 Nov 2011, 19:12
by OddJobBob
Received the starter today from VWheritage. My heart sank when I unpacked it and found that the spindle on this one has a couple of millimetres of lateral play. I had thought that this was a sign that the old starter had packed up. Decided to quickly bung it in the van without doing the bush just to see if did the trick. Will properly replace the bush at the weekend. Connected all up and turned the key with my fingers crossed. Engine turned over. Didn't let it start but happy it turned over. Phew!!

Re: My Van Wont Start.

Posted: 01 Nov 2011, 20:29
by jason k
get that bush in sharpish.
if you leave it chances are this starter will die prematurely