Starter smoking

[dredds]

Morning all...

I am having trouble starting the old bus. I have burnt out one starter. Isn't the bit the +ve supply goes into called the ballast resistor? This smoked whilst winding and then it packed up.

I have fitted a replacement from a breakers yard and whilst it started OK the first time whilst being jumped from another vehicle, when being started on its own, the engine winds and the ballast resistor gets hot and starts smoking. I have stopped trying in case I burn this one out completely as well.

The fact that it winds for so long could be due to perishing fuel pipes and I plane to sort those out soon, but it has always started eventually in the past, now it wo't.

Any ideas??

Kevin.

1985 Mk2 with early 2.5DI...

PS jave just put a deposit down on a 54 plate 260 SWB Medium Roof Van TDi, so HOPEFULLY the bus can be retird into social uise only!

[MrMPuk]

By ballast resistor do you mean starter solenoid? My guess is your battery is goosed which is why it started fine when being jumped but now that you are starting it on it's own the increased current due to lower voltage and prolonged cranking is burning out the solenoid and starter.

[dredds]

Yes, I guess it is the solenoid...

I'll run a meter across the battery and see what its showing. Seems to hold a charge tho...

Kevin.

[MrMPuk]

Could even be a bad connection or earth which will also increase current.

[dredds]

Its showing 13v. Earth should be OK - its running straight to the starter motor housing, +ve is good also. I have a spare battery - I'll try that later on.

[MrMPuk]

How long is it cranking before it starts?

[dredds]

Tuesday it cranked for probably 20-30 turns, and started, yesterday cranked on and off for 60+ I would guess and didn't start at all.

[MrMPuk]

Well that's your problem then! It's getting hot because you are cranking it for far to long!

[dredds]

Whats the option if she don't start????

[MrMPuk]

Whats the option if she don't start????

Find and fix the problem that is stopping it from starting before you kill another starter motor!

[FredTransit]

This is a DI right? When did you last change the oil? Cold, thick oil gives the engine more resistance, making it slower to crank.

[dredds]

Hi Fred...

Now that's point - I've recently changed the oil - I bet I've used the wrong grade - can't remember what I put in, I'll have to check the empty cans. What grade should I use?

It is (I believe) the early DI - I've been told that the 1985 model used an odd engine between old and DI...

Many thanks...

[FredTransit]

Do you mean the York? Can't remember what grade of oil without going down to the van! Your van should have a proper DI, all be it an early one.

[dredds]

Hi Fred - delay in replying due to lurgy...

I used 20w50 - should have used 15w40 I guess...

[MrMPuk]

Hi Fred - delay in replying due to lurgy...

I used 20w50 - should have used 15w40 I guess...

Or even 10w40