Starting problem...advice please

[Partly_dave]

On start up, turn ignition on, wait for plugs to heat and then turn to start and a "click" sound is all you get. Try a few times, the problem repeats itself and eventually it fires up no problem. This is a bit random though, sometimes it starts ok first time. No difference whether engine hot or cold or the outside temperature. Started doing this in January, and has got increasingly worse until now, it almost always does the "click"thing before starting eventually. Runs fine once started.

New glow plugs 09/2007, minor service 12/2007, both battery and Alternator ok (been checked) could this an electrical gremlin (relay?) or a starter motor on the way out? When it does start, it does so fine - all as normal. You either get the "click" and nothing or a normal start.

Any ideas?

I'm due to take Bong to Holland on Wednesday so with Easter have limited time to get it fixed.

Thanks,

D

[daveblueozzie]

sorry to ask a dumb question but you have checked your battery connections? if it just clicks it may well be the starter motor, might need new brushes / contacts.

[Partly_dave]

Thanks fellas.....that video link was excellent. I reckon for £20 and some of my time, thats worth a go before I do anything else. The progressive nature of the fault leads me to think it may well be worn bushes/contacts. I dont have time to source on Ebay though, I'll look for somewhere to get them retail.

[waycar8]

Thanks fellas.....that video link was excellent. I reckon for £20 and some of my time, thats worth a go before I do anything else. The progressive nature of the fault leads me to think it may well be worn bushes/contacts. I dont have time to source on Ebay though, I'll look for somewhere to get them retail.

is your bongo a winter pack type?, if it has 2 batteries and the switch a
at the side of the drivers leg with an engine on, then your starter motor is a 2.2kw starter, the standard starter is a 2kw and the bushes cant be changed on the 2.2kw as no one has found any bushes that are big enough/compatible with it.

[moonshine]

On start up, turn ignition on, wait for plugs to heat and then turn to start and a "click" sound is all you get. Try a few times, the problem repeats itself and eventually it fires up no problem.

Almost certainly starter motor contacts, as it's a very common problem on Bongos. Only place I know to get them is in Southampton. If you find anywhere else though, please let everyone on here know.