Bus fails to start. Starter motor or something else?

Hi all. Unfortunately we are on holiday in Cornwall so this is a matter of urgency...

Symptoms: The bus has been weak at starting over the last two days, it didn’t matter if the engine was hot or cold. No clicking or anything. But, it did always start eventually.

I am assuming it is a starter issue… Battery is healthy and the connections are good. I have tried bridging the connections across the starter and I get a spark but nothing else happens!

I have given the solenoid a good bang with a hammer and tried rocking it down a hill. Still nothing! Just sparks across the rear of the starter.

Weirdly the indicators appear to have stopped working too (rapid clicking) although I assume this is a relay issue and a bit of a red herring?

If anyone knows of any VW specialists in the South West or where I can get spares from that would be great.

Apologies for the essay, I want to make sure I am headed down the right path before I start a wild goose chase across Cornwall for spares! Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

Are you running points or is it electronic ignition? If the former, I would wack the dizzy cap off and check the gap and the condition, pitted etc. check the leads to and from the the coil too.

 

Good question. It’s electronic. A tune 123 Bluetooth system.

Cap seems ok - as do the leads. I have given them all a good wiggle!

I do have a spare electrical dizzy that will try to fit in the morning light.

Do you think it is worth trying a spare coil too?

 

Also, I hope you enjoy the new carb!

 

So is the engine turning over with the starter or not? Or is it spinning over ok but not firing?

 

Check gearbox earth lead, or connect a jump lead between engine and negative battery terminal.

 

Nothing at all. Not even turning over or spinning.

 

Thank you. I will try that!

 

In case this is of any use (they're in Redruth)

http://www.retrodubs.com/

 

Can you hear/feel the solenoid pull in with a clunk when you short the terminals out?

 

great one. Thanks!

 

It’s completely silent other than the sparking.

 

You should be able to bump start it tomorrow, if you can get enough people or a willing tow.
re the indicators, with the lever set to come on , either side, try wiggling the hazrad light knob gently, mine freezes, but a wiggle of the switch, and it works normally.

 

When you turn the key to start does the oil and alternator light dim or stay the same.

If they stay the same probably the ignition switch.

If they do dim it’s the starter or lose/dirty connection

There are ways to bypass the wiring or you could try bump starting.

 

Blimey Jay I didn’t realise it was you! Don’t despair it will probably be something silly.
Reading down the thread here I’m a bit confused. In your original post you said it starts eventually. So its’s silent and not turning over/spinning at all but then suddenly does after lots of attempts and fires up as usual. Yes?

If so, disconnect the battery earth strap from the body. If there is a big spark you have a short circuit somewhere. That would explain the indicators not working/clicking too.

 

Doesn't sound good. If the solenoid doesn't pull in, the starter won't turn. Could try whacking it again.

With the ignition on, should be able to bump start it.

 

Light was dimming. Now it’s staying on and not dimming… I’ll give her a bump in the morning (wink wink, nudge nudge)!

 

Sorry for the confusion. Trying to type whilst looking after the little ones isn’t the easiest.

To be clear:
*It was* turning over (albeit very weakened) the last few days. Eventually starting after a few tries.

*Today* it’s completely silent with no spinning or noise at all.


I will give the battery strap a go too matey thanks!

 

I think this is what will need to happen….

Thankfully 1) I am in a hotel tonight and 2) my hotel is at the top of a very big hill!

 

To be fair I only just realised this was you too! Thank you for all your help mate.