Trouble starting a P reg Vauxhall Combo van **updated - plugs replaced, still probs**

jimmo

Just a simple two pennerth from a definite non expert but the only fault could be a bulb failure on the dash.
In my limited experience with diesels trying to start before the glow plug warning light goes out leads to all sorts of problems.
Why not try turning on the ignition and waiting for 10 or 15 seconds before twisting the key onto the starter.
You never know. It just might work.

lv1109

Thanks again for all your helps guys.

Well, this morning was a non-starter, it really tried but just wouldn't fire. To be honest my husband wasn't feeling too great this morning (I think it might have been being out in the cold and wet yesterday trying to fix this van, lol) so we just left it be and I dropped him off. We have spoken to a mechanic and are dropping it off tonight for him to look at tomorrow.

I must admit jimmo, I had the same idea, which we did try and unfortunately it didn't work.

I am hoping beyond all hope that it is not the compression as mentioned by motmac, think we would have to cut our losses if that's the case. The mechanic has mentioned the plugs and relay already, so seeing as though the plugs have been replaced his first port of call will probs be the relay. Anything else I shall just leave down to him.

I will pop back on once I have the diagnosis to let you all know what it actually is.

Thanks again

LV

lv1109

Well I don't know if anyone would be interested but I said I would come back and update the thread with the outcome when it was known so here goes.....

Well we changed the glow plugs and no joy. We then booked it to a mechanic (a sort of friend) who sorted the relay. All was good when my husband picked it up from the mechanics on the Friday, just needed a new battery as the one on it was a bit duff. Anyway, sorted out a new battery on the Sunday, put it on.....nothing. Just a click on turning the key in the ignition. Oh my god, I really lost the plot! I couldn't believe it and really thought we were jinxed.

It transpired that the starter motor that had been put on in replacement of the old one was from a breaker that was the same van and year as our one. Doh, chances are that was on the way out aswell - it was 12 years old after all! So we thought lets just get a new one and be done with. Was getting quotes of around £120-£130 - I couldn't believe it! Kept on ringing round and managed, eventually, to get one for £86.25 which I was really pleased with. It was fitted yesterday and now IT WORKS!!!!!!!

My god, you could have knocked me down with a feather yesterday I was soooo pleased. So only about 5 weeks after we bought tax and insured it my husband can finally use the blooming thing.

Thanks for all your suggestions though guys, you were all really helpful!

LV

vansboy

Glad you're up & running again!!

The starters are pretty much a working or not item, so you couldn't expect to have to mess about with it.

Also, you'll find the alternators are a dear(ish) item to replace - & they are in such a badly designed position, on the engine, they pick up loads of muck & road filth!!

Again, though, not much you can do about that, either!!

VB