Hello,
I'm just hoping for a pointer as to the cause of an issue I'm having with my LT35, please.
Any help or opinion would be gratefully received as I'm not mechanically minded and the van is due for an MOT in a few weeks. I'm concerned it might not even start on the day!
The issue is that it struggles to start. In summary: I've fitted a new battery; the alternator is probably working; the starter motor seems to function.
Here's my workings:
Starter motor: Based on what I've read, I'm guessing the starter motor is fine - when I turn the key, it makes the typical 'coughing' sound, but it either doesn't start or it needs a few goes before it splutters to life. I'll turn the key and let it cough 6/8/10 times before stopping and trying again.
Battery: a brand new Exide 95ah battery was fitted less than 2 years ago. When the problems started before Christmas, I measured the voltage with a multimeter and it was 11.6 or so, but varied. Based on what I read online, my guess is that it was sulphated due to lack of use (furlough) and therefore it needed replacing. However, I charged it indoors, managed to start it just the once but gave up to it and and bought a new one.
I fitted the brand new battery two days ago (95ah Exide) and that didnt cure it, though it has helped. Today it refused to start on the first attempt, but just made it on the second.
Various multimeter readings: 12.48v at fitting 12.75 after a 60 minute drive 12.62 after 6 hours standing. 12.53 after 24 hours standing 13.16 after a 60 minute drive 12.58 after 6 hours standing 12.50 after 24 hours standing 12.64 after an hours drive.
Alternator: My assumption is that the alternator is working because the voltage increases after use.
Another thing to note is when I return from a drive, I turn the engine off then turn the key again and it starts first time. It also did that in the final days of the old battery as well.
So: new battery; alternator probably working; starter motor seems to function.
Have I got something wrong and/or what else might be causing the problem?!
Thank you for any help and sorry for the long post!
------------- Lancashire LT35 80kw TDi - 2005 MWB/Hi-top
|