Van won't start - electrical problem.

Hi

Hoping someone can help me with this..

I have a T2 1600 1973.. had it for around 16 years and never had a problem with it.

Broke down last month and had to be recovered, van was taken to a local garage.

Anyway.. seemed to have 2 problems:-

First the van kept stalling - this was due to contaminated fuel which must have been literally half water. This happened last august and i had used wynn's dry fuel at the time.. this got the van running but when i started using again this year water had gathered in the carb - causing the van to stall whenever the revs went down.
However... i did approx 50 miles like this and probably had to re-start the engine 50+ times on this journey.

At the end of the journey the van refused to re-start. It now starts occasionally - but mostly when i turn the ignition nothing happens... there are no volts showing on the voltmeter on the dash. If i keep trying - it will sometimes show volts on the voltmeter and then when i turn the key further the starter engages.. the engine starts.. but then stalls within a few seconds - even with my foot down hard on the accelerator.

My theory is the continued re-starting has worn out either the ignition switch or the cable to and from the switch has deteriorated to such a point it no longer works.

The garage i took it too solved the problem with the carb... but now i've got the van home it's evident they haven't fixed the other issue.

Anyone got any ideas on this?

How can i test if it's the ignition switch / wiring?

I have zero mechanical - but a little electrical knowledge and have a some electrical test equipment.

Any help appreciated

Phil

 

check all the connections to the coil are clean and a good fit. especially the black wires.

 

the cutting out sounds fuel related. again check the wire to the carburettor has 12v and the solenoid clicks when you attach the wire with the ignition on. make sure this connection is good too

 

hi

thanks for the reply...

when it cuts out... and i turn the ignition off and back on - there are no volts registering on the voltmeter. This is why i think it's an electrical problem rather than a fuel issue.

I know bugger all though to be honest so any advise is appreciated

Phil

 

on the back of the starter motor there are 2 red wires. one thick, from the battery, one thin to the solenoid. check for voltage here and for good connections.

 

have you checked for 12v at the ignition switch?

 

do you have a manual? Changing the ignition switch is a fiddly but DIY job.

 

When you say no volts does anything work at all ie interior lights dash lights ? Could be an earth issue an earth strap that’s almost rotted through causing intermittent fault.

 

no... not sure how / where i'd check this? (told you i knew bugger all)

 

Hi
I’m at Oldham, could have a look one evening next week if you want !

 

the lights / indicators work.... but the engine doesn't turn and i don't get the click from the solonoid.

 

This is a good video for it.

 

that would be great if you could!? i work in oldham (lees) but live in littleborough....

 

thanks... will have a look tonight

 

You need a 2mm hex allen key to get the grub screw out. It will probably have a seal of wax covering it if it has not been changed before. it was blue on mine.

 

I would start by hooking a cable to the small connector on the starter and running it to the back of the van, turn on the ignition make sure it’s out of gear and touching the wire to the positive on the battery if it turns over then it’s igniton or cable related if not it’s a starter issue.

 

does sound like the switch

 

Hi send me a pm and we can sort out when

 

will do... thanks very much...

 

definitely electrical IMHO - I would guess on corroded wires/loose connections - mine had problems starting recently and it was the wires connecting the starter motor that were corroded.