Reaching out to all you veedub gurus....... I got home from an uneventful (phew!) 160 mile drive from Ross on Wye. Stopped and restarted no problems at services once on way home. However........ pulled up across next doors drive to go and get SWMBO to open rear gates up for me. Jumped back in, turned the key and nothing absolute zilcho. No starter, no clicking just deathly silence. After emptying out some camping gear, having a chat with my next door neighbour to explain that I have broken down across their drive and that they cant get either of their cars outtuesday_wildchild I tried ignition again about 20/30 minutes later and hey presto, started no problem. So in my limited knowledge I am guessing it was a heat related issue and once cooled down was fine. So is this the scenario that the Hot Start relay set up overcomes or am I likely to have other issues such as a problematic solenoid? I have started it up a couple of times since to move it around etc with no further issues. Many thanks Gary
Nope, sounds like a hot start issue. I've had that problem once in the last 6 months. Still need to fit the relay... Might do it this weekend.
The hot start relay fixes a symptom not the root cause. It does not fix a worn out ignition switch that may also be responsible - but it slows down the burning out of the switch by reducing the current it has to feed. It does not fix worn out contacts on the starter motor that may be responsible.
Not sure a got start relay is your problem. More like a lose or worn connection on the ignition switch.
It might not be the issue.... however I had a similar problem a couple of times and was unsure if it was the famed "hot start" problem so just thought what the heck and fitted a couple of quid relay to eliminate it as a possibility.. seems fine since
Had similar... traced it back to the aged cabling from the ignition to the starter in the end - ran new wires and never looked back!
If it were me, I'd fit a HTR just because its a better solution anyway, then make sure all the connections and wires are in good health, clean and tight. If it happens again after do that then have a look at the starter.
on warm days, after a longish journey, you may also get a vapour lock in the tank = symptons of fuel starvation... no click is an electrical issue, however.... you can also run a live feed directly from the battery +ve to the starter terminal 50, via a momentary push switch in the engine bay...shorter run...
Is it a type 4? The hot air dump is vented directly onto the starter if you turn the heat off, this causes the starter to get very hot and if it's a bit old it will stick until cool, it will go with a hammer tap, I was gonna try and source some t25 pods with vent extensions or possibly make a aluminium deflector, I've fitted a new starter though so we will see.
That kinda makes sense as the one time I had the problem was the one time I had the heat turned down!
I have had a quick look underneath the bus. Difficult to see whether it is original starter but I would guess so. Noticed some tape around wiring so need to have a look when I get some time. Will also install HSR. Off topic but I noticed whilst I was underneath that there is a filter in fuel line immediately it exits tank. Is this common or are they not put in more accessible place further down line in engine bay somewhere?
yeh its a pain to get to their , if you need to in a hurry , but if its leaking its better their than in engine bay , and thats where they say put it(next to tank that is). Good call is to have two hose clamps in your glove comp for emergencies these will give you a bit of time to sort a leak normally or at lease stem the flow from the tank .
I have travelled to Wareham for a couple of nights camping and guess what - stopped for petrol after about 50 miles in the blazing afternoon sunshine and my bus wouldn't start afterwards. Took around 30 minutes for it to cool sufficiently to allow starting. My "coffee to go" was drunk whilst standing behind my camper whilst suggesting that those queuing behind me might like to chose a different pump!
