She wont start

Jolly Rogers · Post by **Jolly Rogers** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 9:45 pm

She wont start.
I turn the key you hear the starter motor, but it doesn't fire up.

It cant be the glow plugs I had new ones put in about three months ago.

Any ideas before I call out RAC

daveblueozzie · Post by **daveblueozzie** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 10:04 pm

IF ITS JUST CLICKING WHEN YOU TRY TO START IT ,THEN IT MAY BE YOUR STARTERMOTOR. i know its a dumb question but do you have an immobiliser and is it switched off.
also the bongo engine takes a lot out of a battery you only get a few goes at starting it before it loses power.

Jolly Rogers · Post by **Jolly Rogers** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 10:12 pm

Hi Dave,

The starter Motor is working.
As far as I am aware it does not have an imobiliser. ( I should paid more attention during English lessons)

wokewy · Post by **wokewy** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 10:26 pm

Not teaching you to suck eggs but ensure you have fuel of the correct type and not a dodgy gauge initially. Is the starter turning the engine over or just spinning itself? i.e does it sound as though it is under a load?

mister munkey · Post by **mister munkey** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 10:30 pm

There are a few basic needs of an engine to fire up.

If its turning over, thats a good start.

Next would be ignition. You seem to have that one covered.

Then fuel.

Fuel starvation would be a fair bet at the moment.

Is this a sudden occurrence or has this been a slowly generating problem, been a bit sluggish off the key of late etc.?

Blocked fuel filter or something just as straightforward is worth looking into.

Best of luck, keep posting.

missfixit70 · Post by **missfixit70** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 10:38 pm

Are you getting voltage at the glowplugs? could be the relay, could even be crap glowplugs prematurely failed? Are you using veg oil, too high a mix maybe if you are? Check the fuel is getting through, is the banjo filter clear? when was the fuel filter last changed?

jackstringer · Post by **jackstringer** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 10:54 pm

When you say you hear the starter motor do you mean, You hear it turn over the engine, or you hear it click?

If it clicks it may need a re-charge on the battery.

If its turning over but not starting I would look at all the areas that they would of touched to do the glow plug change as a wire could of been knocked loose etc.

Many of these are called DAMHIKIJKOK, http://www.andyc.mine.nu/ixies/damindex.htm

Jolly Rogers · Post by **Jolly Rogers** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 11:09 pm

o.k here goes.

I can hear the starter motor trying to start the engine.
I know there is enough fuel Diesel.
It was fine on Tuesday.
I think I will have to call out the RAC on Sunday, I will keep you all posted.

Thanks for all your replys.

Jolly Rogers · Post by **Jolly Rogers** » Sat Mar 15, 2008 12:14 pm

Rac Man here at the moment trying to sort it out, so fingers crossed.

Jolly Rogers · Post by **Jolly Rogers** » Sat Mar 15, 2008 12:53 pm

Rac man has been and gone. He says there is no power getting to the plugs. He reckons it might be a solenoid.
Any ideas?

francophile1947 · Post by **francophile1947** » Sat Mar 15, 2008 12:57 pm

There's a relay to the left of the battery, with what looks like a polythene cover - this is the glow plug relay and you should hear it click when the ignition is turned on.

Jolly Rogers · Post by **Jolly Rogers** » Sat Mar 15, 2008 1:26 pm

I hear a click when the ignition turns. It is starting at the moment. I don't know if this is just because the Rac Man Jump started the engine and the engine is still warm. Or the problem is solved.

missfixit70 · Post by **missfixit70** » Sat Mar 15, 2008 1:33 pm

Sounds like the relay could be on its way, oxidised contacts maybe? You may be lucky & it's sorted itself, but I'd familiarise yourself with where the relay is & check it's not got damp & all the connections are tight. If it happens again, try thumping it. You may be able to open up the relay & clean off the contacts with some fine emery cloth. I used to spend many an hour sorting out relays when no spares are available in the middle of the ocean

Jolly Rogers · Post by **Jolly Rogers** » Sat Mar 15, 2008 1:38 pm

Hi Kirsty, Is the relay covered with clear plastic and about 4cm x 6cm If it is . It looks like water has got in. Must have happenend with all this raining we have been having. I think I m going to enrol in a vehicle maintance course at my local college

francophile1947 · Post by **francophile1947** » Sat Mar 15, 2008 4:16 pm

Yes it is - see my post above re polythene cover.