Van Won't Start

[Andy-Blackpool]

Hi all, got a 1996 190 LWB 2.5Di, she wont start, just put a brand new battery on and she started, gone out this morning and when you turn the key I am getting a clicking noise, put jump leads on and she started, thought it could be alternator but not getting the warning light on the dash, although that could be faulty? Any other suggestions? Any help greatly appreciated, Thanks

[Andy-Blackpool]

Sorry forgot to say, looking at the alternator I have 3 wires on it, the one on the right is cut and goes to nothing, could this be the cause? If so where should it go?

[MinorMatt]

I think the cut wire is the one for a rev counter!

Its possible the alternator is faulty (diodes packed up) causing a drain on the battery - you need to check with a multimeter

[Andy-Blackpool]

After a lot of messing about and tracing wires etc etc it turned out the live wire to the starter motor was a bit loose, hence it been hit and miss with the starting so we tightened it up and she starts on the button every time now but it gets better, after fixing it we put the bikes and all the gear in thinking we would go playing for a bit on the bikes, started her up, pressed clutch and the cable snapped, I couldnt believe it. I have only just had the van 24 hours (damn ebay). Anyway been and bought a cable and have the mobile mechanic coming to fix it tomorrow and then hopefully I will be ok.