Slow Starter

[alandav123]

Hi all, been having grief starting my 1998 2.5di diesel tranny.

I thought it was thre battery so put a new heavy duty on her and it made no difference to her starting on a cold morning.

I recon the start motor is a bit lazy as when I put another 12 volter on and jump start it, the engine fires as soon as it gets a fast spin round.

I have been out messing about with it almost eveyday since it got cold and it driving me mental.

Is it worth me removing the starter and cleaning ther brushes and all leads going to it? is that likely to improve things or should I save up ans get a new starter.

If so, would some kind soul give me an idea of what tools are needed. I will be doing it in the street on my back so its nice to go under with the required tools.

Regards and thanks

alan

[MrMPuk]

viewtopic.php?f=40&t=9554&start=0

[psv-hgv-flt]

you want the old heavy duty type, before 1997 thay are the best they will drive you of the road.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/S566-Ford-Transit ... 5ad59785e2

[Martinthemoth]

Hi Alan

I've had the same slow starter problem with my w reg 2.5Di. Fitted new heavy duty battery last winter and things improved for awhile. Since the cold weather set in this year - it was always a worry as to whether she would start in the morning. seemed if temperature dropped below 5degs overnight she would be slow in the morning and often fail to start until it warmed up. I noted on a couple of times that cranking speed would slow down like battery was flattening then pick up again?

Using this forum I did all the usual things such as checking starter motor, alternator, earth straps etc.. none were faulty. A fortnight ago after a cold morning I removed the battery and gave it a good slow charge - though it was in rude health and was fully charged after just 20 minutes on a trickle.

Gave the battery posts and brass battery connectors a bloody good scrub with emery cloth. Since then it doesn't matter how cold it is or how thick the frost has been - she starts after 2-3 seconds!

I might have been lucky but this can so obviously be overlooked. Even if the connections look clean - it is worth a try.

Good Luck.

[A Jack]

I am cluless but my Mk 5 was starting slow on cold mornings, I have recently done a service changing filters and the oil, yesterday a mate of mine put on a timing belt kit, I just started my van up, to my amazement it started up no probs and I had the blowers and the CD player on as well, so I am chuffed. Cheers

[darkbluevanman]

mild, normal, warm weather first turn... this weather couple of cranks... With or Without my 2nd battery boosting the power?.... Only 1st thing though!

[sidspop]

Without going throgh 5 pages on that other thread, here's my input.

Remove starter, clean brushes, and contacts, and casing where it meets block.
Clean all contacts going to starter.
Fit another earth lead, from negative to starter motor bolt, ideall get one off a scrap car , so it's heavy duty.
Clean battery terminals, and remake connections if possible from battery terminals to cables.

What people don't often seem to realise is that starter motor is drawing 50 odd amps, but it also needs an earth return capable of handling 50 odd amps. Most vehicles are not earthed directly to the block, they normally use the chassis as earth return. This is why when jump starting you should put negative straight to block.