starting probs

[sledge]

well it goes like this a few weeks ago the truck started playing up, first it would start then it would'nt. so i read through the threads and got some useful info. so i tested the batteries and found out that one of them was knackered so i replaced them both (as i have the winter pack) costing me 110 pounds from the main dealer which was the best price. i thought all was sorted but it's started to do it again. so now i'm assuming it's the starter motor but before i go and spend more money and find out it's not the starter, i thought i would ask if it could be anything else?

PROBLEM
when key is turned i get a click and lights go out on the dash. it does not try and start. but when i jump start it it fires right up. it does not happen all the time so i am unsure what it could be besides the starter on it's way.

please help as i don't want to get stuck somewhere with the kids.

[BUSHWHACKER]

well it goes like this a few weeks ago the truck started playing up, first it would start then it would'nt. so i read through the threads and got some useful info. so i tested the batteries and found out that one of them was knackered so i replaced them both (as i have the winter pack) costing me 110 pounds from the main dealer which was the best price. i thought all was sorted but it's started to do it again. so now i'm assuming it's the starter motor but before i go and spend more money and find out it's not the starter, i thought i would ask if it could be anything else?

PROBLEM
when key is turned i get a click and lights go out on the dash. it does not try and start. but when i jump start it it fires right up. it does not happen all the time so i am unsure what it could be besides the starter on it's way.

please help as i don't want to get stuck somewhere with the kids.

Are the alternator belts tight enough?
Are the battery clamps on tight?
If yes, then get the alternator output tested.

[sledge]

Are the alternator belts tight enough?
Are the battery clamps on tight?
If yes, then get the alternator output tested.

yes and yes whats an alternator output test. is it like a battery test?

what are the chances of it being the starter motor?

[BUSHWHACKER]

yes and yes whats an alternator output test. is it like a battery test?

what are the chances of it being the starter motor?

You can do a basic test yourself.
Wait 'till it's dark, start truck switch on headlights, switch on fogluights , heater blower (full speed), rear demister, radio/CD player, rev the engine and see if the lights get brighter. If they do then you know the alternator is charging.

If the truck wouldn't start from using your batteries, but it did with a 'jump' then it sounds like your batteries were not charged which makes the alternator suspect.

Then again, it could possibly be the starter, but the alternator is easier to get off/test!!

[M35A2]

It's a simple enough job. All you need is an electrical tester. Put the terminals of the tester onto the battery Pos and Neg posts with engine off and look at readings, this gives you the holding charge of the batterys. Then start up and do same thing again, you will see an increased voltage if the alternator is running ok. I don't know what the output is supposed to be, about 14 volts I think?

If that is ok it sounds like your starter contacts or motor. It wont do it all the time if it's the contacts, but will get more frequent as they wear out more.

Hope this helps?

[da SLUG man]

or a bad earth...

i set my old mini on fire cos i forgot to connect the engine earth strap and it earthed through the brake pipes...

they got very hot cos of the starting current and spontaneously combusted!!

[sledge]

You can do a basic test yourself.
Wait 'till it's dark, start truck switch on headlights, switch on fogluights , heater blower (full speed), rear demister, radio/CD player, rev the engine and see if the lights get brighter. If they do then you know the alternator is charging.

If the truck wouldn't start from using your batteries, but it did with a 'jump' then it sounds like your batteries were not charged which makes the alternator suspect.

Then again, it could possibly be the starter, but the alternator is easier to get off/test!!

tryed that the other day and they get brighter, so i guess it not the alternator.
the batteries are brand new so i guess it only leaves the starter?

[PDR]

Sorry to state the obvious… but isn’t the gauge on the dash there to show you if the batteries are being charged!

[M35A2]

or a bad earth...

i set my old mini on fire cos i forgot to connect the engine earth strap and it earthed through the brake pipes...

they got very hot cos of the starting current and spontaneously combusted!!

I had that trouble when I owned a Land Rover Lightweight 24V Airportable.

I had a CB fitted to the batterys which are under a centre cover between drivers and passengers seats.

I stopped to have rampant sex with this girl by a canal where I come from at Stony Stratford (well Cosgrove near by). There was a canal boat with a smoking chimney near by. As I was doing her on the battery cover I could smell smoke, but in the heat (no pun intended) of the moment I carried on, thinking it was the canal boat,as you do. But the friction wore away the insulation and a 24V short set the whole loom on fire in the battery box (and I don't have to tell you that battery gas is explosive). Next thing I see is massive amounts of smoke coming from the battery box. I freaked out, dragged her out naked and proceded to rip the on fire wiring loom out the vehicle with my bare hands, all the time with my trousers down by my ankles.

She was laughing her ti*s off, I didn't see the funny side till later.

[da SLUG man]

excellent!...

[sledge]

so whats the view then is it my starter?

[MattF]

so whats the view then is it my starter?

Possibly, but Andy weren't a finisher.

[MattF]

Once you get it started, if you turn the engine off, and try to start again,
does it still play up then?

[stormforce]

i will have to try that out in the morning as mine has been slow turning over the last couple of mornings but has been ok when i start it up 8hrs later to go home from work

[POPEYE]

or a bad earth...

i set my old mini on fire cos i forgot to connect the engine earth strap and it earthed through the brake pipes...

they got very hot cos of the starting current and spontaneously combusted!!

I did that on an old Mk!! consul, the choke cable started smoking and burnt the plastic covering of it