Engine not starting after new alternator fitted

[TheCrowsNest]

Hi everyone,

As discussed in http://www.canalworld.net/forums/index.php?s=5dc518cf8a09055355d099b8c954c3c2&showtopic=62621 I bought a replacement alternator and fitted it.

 

Its exactly the same and fitted with a new belt.

 

My problem now is the engine won't start!

 

Initially when I turned the key nothing happened at all but after checking all the wiring is seated properly the engine tried to start. I did the usual heat for 30 seconds and then turned the key.

The belt just spins and there is no sound of the engine attempting to start properly.

 

I have checked and the diesel line is open, the battery is hooked up and the charger has been on so it is charged.

 

 

The only thing I think is different is that the spring in the hole at the top right of here..

 

..doesn't glow red when I turn the key to "heat". I am pretty sure it did before (although I may be mistaken).

 

Could this be it or is there something else I should be looking for?

 

I am still learning about engines and electrics so sorry if this is a stupid question

 

 

[Martin Megson]

It could be that the heater is not working, you might want to check the wiring to the heaters in case you have disturbed something.

[The Bagdad Boatman (waits)]

The bulb may be part of the heater circuit try replacing it. Have you a multimeter or a 12v bulb fitting with a neg and pos wire to check if electric is getting to the heater plugs? feel the heater plugs to see if they get warm. Disconnect the heater plugs and touch a live wire to them one at a time no spark = duff heater plug. Is there enough charge in the battery to spin the engine fast enough?

[dmr]

You have either wired the alternator wrong or done something with the wiring which has caused a fuse to blow????

There is likely a single fuse on or near the engine which protects all of the engine wiring but not the starter circuit.

 

...............Dave

[TheCrowsNest]

Thanks all!

 

I checked the wiring and found a loose connection in the D+ connection. The spring glowed under heat and the engine started and ran fine.

The charge light stayed on so the alternator is also working

 

I let it run for 30mins the the belt didn't make a noise at all. Glad it is all sorted!

[Tony Brooks]

I do not think that is correct. Charge lights normally go out when the alternator charges. You did rev the engine didn't you.

[Puddlejumper]

Yep as above charge light should go off beat me to it

[TheCrowsNest]

I do not think that is correct. Charge lights normally go out when the alternator charges. You did rev the engine didn't you.

 

 

Oh! hmmmmm..

 

Yes I did rev the engine but maybe not enough.

 

Guess I need to check the wiring and try again then. Another job for the weekend

 

Thank you both for the heads up!

[mickp]

is the fuel valve clonking open when u switch on ,you may have blown a fuse in the engine wiring harrness.i managed to do this once while medsing with alternator

[bizzard]

A simple first check is to turn a light on, one with a bulb not LED and rev the engine to see if it suddenly goes brighter. Secondly a multi or volt meter across a batteries + and - terminals and rev again, the meter should begin to rise to 13-14 volts and so on.

[TheCrowsNest]

A simple first check is to turn a light on, one with a bulb not LED and rev the engine to see if it suddenly goes brighter. Secondly a multi or volt meter across a batteries + and - terminals and rev again, the meter should begin to rise to 13-14 volts and so on.

 

Great advice, thank you. I will try that tomorrow morning.