intermittent starting problem

[jasonh1967]

Hi, My bongo has a very intermittent not starting problem which can't seem to be traced. I have lived with this problem for a couple of years now, so if anyone has any ideas I'd really appreciate it. It mostly starts really well but very occasionally and nearly always when its been running for a while it wont re-start. Nothing happens on the ignition, no clicks. An auto electrician has had a look at it and thinks the starter motor and alternator are fine. Also at the same time the dashboard does weird things too, the rev counter flickers around like crazy and then the temp gauge rises really quickly. I really don't know whether the not starting problem is directly connected to this but they always coincide. I am confident now that the engine isn't overheating but the gauge shows differently. This problem with the dash again is intermittent. It can go a few weeks with it not doing these things at all and then suddenly will more often for a while...then clear up again. frustratingly whenever I take it into the garage I use it wont re-create the problem and starts perfectly every time, in spite of the mechanic trying to re-create the circumstances I describe.
Could it be as simple as some weird earth fault somewhere that is difficult to locate?

[g8dhe]

You don't say which type of engine you have, but the symptoms all seem to point to a battery supply problem of some sought.
Presumably the battery terminals have been cleaned ?
The chassis connection from the -ve terminal is sound ?
Have the fuses on the +Ve terminal arm been removed and cleaned (100 Amp is BOLTED in from underneath).
Has the alternator output been checked at all ?

[jasonh1967]

Thanks for the reply, its a 96 manual diesel....one of the really early ones I think. The battery terminals and the chassis connection have been checked but that's a good idea about the fuses....I have noticed on occasion the rev counter flickering has responded to bigger bumps in the road (eg going over a cattle grid one time), which I guess could point to a problem like that with fuses. The alternator output was checked out I think but only when it was starting ok. I'll have a chat with the mechanic again and check that. Thanks again

[JoeC]

96 manual diesel.

Same as me.

[wonkanoby]

if its never been done starter contacts are cheap

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MAZDA-BONGO-2 ... 1189wt_952

[Northern Bongolow]

alternator faulty.---------------- sometimes.

[Fassi]

if its never been done starter contacts are cheap

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MAZDA-BONGO-2 ... 1189wt_952

recommend doing this. I did it last week and now have no starting problems. I also had some weird things going on with the dash when it wouldn't start but all good now.

[wilnx005]

I had this last year after changing the exhaust middle section - plus some strange clicking sounds from the glow plug relay. So after replacing the relay thinking that was faulty - and to no avail - I checked around the center part of the exhaust and I'd pretty much broken and earth strap down there ( it was pretty much rotten through anyway). So I replaced and problems solved! It may not be the same thing as mine wouldn't start warm or cold - but it may point to and earth somewhere???

[jasonh1967]

Thanks for all the replies...got a few things to work on now and hopefully get it sorted