280GE Starting Issue

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ajpclements
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Location: Newmarket

Please Help!!!

I am nearly at the end of refurbishing  my 280GE, 1983 W460.

I removed the dash and centre console to try and clean up the electrics, removing old stereo wiring, fixing aftermarket electric Windows etc. Since doing so I cannot get her started. Had the starter motor off, new solenoid fitted and checked....no joy. There is power at the energiser lead.

She does not even turn over, just hear the fuel pump turn. All other electrics seem to be working fine. Fuses all ok.

Is there some sort of over ride that I have upset? Anyone have any ideas?

 

 

 

 

Jdring
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Location: South of Oxford, UK. 87' 230GE SWB Manual, 89' 230GE SWB Auto, 2012 G350Bluetec LWB
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Re: 280GE Starting Issue
Sounds like you know your stuff. Isn't there a relay involved in the ignition circuit? Someone needs to supply the wiring circuit or its in the User Manual if you have one. Sorry. Not done much electrics.
prwales
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Re: 280GE Starting Issue

I'm assuning you've checked for a spark, and one of the fuel injectors to see that you have fuel pressure

Jdring
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Location: South of Oxford, UK. 87' 230GE SWB Manual, 89' 230GE SWB Auto, 2012 G350Bluetec LWB
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Re: 280GE Starting Issue
Did you mean this for the G400 fuel question? The problem here is electrics and no triggering of the starter motor.
Pistonhead
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Re: 280GE Starting Issue

ajpclements wrote:

Please Help!!!

I am nearly at the end of refurbishing  my 280GE, 1983 W460.

I removed the dash and centre console to try and clean up the electrics, removing old stereo wiring, fixing aftermarket electric Windows etc. Since doing so I cannot get her started. Had the starter motor off, new solenoid fitted and checked....no joy. There is power at the energiser lead.

She does not even turn over, just hear the fuel pump turn. All other electrics seem to be working fine. Fuses all ok.

Is there some sort of over ride that I have upset? Anyone have any ideas?

 

Without knowing your equipment and skill level - this is not easy to answer.  You mentioned refurbishment above; may sound dumb but as I don't know, I have to ask - is the battery fully charged up? 

When you turn your key in the ignition, asssuming the dash lights (Battery, etc) come on, at the turn of key do thes go dim or does the lights have the same intensity? If the intensity is the same then there is no power going to your starter solenoid. 

You have also mentioned that the starter motor was removed and a new solenoid fitted - has a bench test been conducted to see if these do infact work outside of the vehicle? 

Have you a multi-meter or power probe? 

You could have an issue with ignition switch but all these are possible supulative suggestions which need to be methodically tested and eleinated out. 

Whilst you come back with some answers I will try to draft a step by step check list which will require the use of a multi-meter.

 

 

Jdring
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Location: South of Oxford, UK. 87' 230GE SWB Manual, 89' 230GE SWB Auto, 2012 G350Bluetec LWB
GWOA Groups: Committee, Members
Re: 280GE Starting Issue

I just recalled what happed to me when I picked up my current 230GE.  It was driving fine then one evening I parked it and it would not start.  Dash lights bright, headlamps also bright.  Fuel pump whirring, but no solenoid click or starter motor.  So same symptoms.  As it was an Automatic, I assumed it was some relay on the box/gearshift preventing the starting.  I found said micro-switch by the stem of the gear shift, and played with that.  Nothing.  

I have to admit I called the AA, as I was running late and needed to shift the Wagen.  30mins later (really), the AA man/person did the same sort of checks I had already done, then moved to the engine bay.

He found that, simply, the braided earth strap to the back of the starter motor was not make sufficient earth with the fixing point at the rear of the engine bay (close to the battery).  That was it.  Loosened and tighted and a bit of wire brush and hey presto.  All working again.

It was a lesson (easily forgotten) that when you go off at a tangent assuming more exotic causes, it can really take you a while to get back to basics.  It was literally working fine one minute and 30mins later after standing in a car park, decided no more.  A weaker battery may also struggle to overcome a bad earth even more.

Check that braided strap.  Loosen, clean and re-attach.

 

ajpclements
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Re: 280GE Starting Issue
Many thanks guys. Trying to get hold of a multimeter. Still not winning but will try and work through all of your suggestions.
ajpclements
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Re: 280GE Starting Issue

The dash lights go dim when I turn the key. 

Battery is pretty new but I guess back to basics and worth double checking

I have tried two battery chargers on it.

Starter motor has been bench tested and working fine.

Starting to tear my hair out!

Arnie
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Re: 280GE Starting Issue

If the lights dim, then you are drawing current from the battery. could be:

1.) battery is faulty and not providing suffivient current

or

2.) starter motor is stuck

Removing the spark-plugs should make it easier to crank and you may learn something.

ajpclements
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Re: 280GE Starting Issue

Thank you all very much for your help.

Finally cracked it. New solenoid fixed the starter motor which was not kicking. However on top of that the battery was toast. Despite only being 9 months old it was faulty. Thankfully halfords exchanged for a new one. It was holding enough charge for everything to work except starting but because it was new I didn't think it was faulty. 

She should be back on the road soon. Keeping it simple certainly helps.

Many thanks again