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BunyipGlitch
Joined: 23 Feb 2017 Posts: 4 Location: Northfield VT
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Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2017 0:23 Post subject: L300 Starter/Battery? Issues |
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Hello all. I am new to this forum, and I'm here because I have a problem. my 1988 L300 Diesel 4x4 has been acting strange the past few days. It behaves as thought the battery is dead when I attempt to start it, so I jump it or hook it up to my charger for an hour or so. It starts right up then no problem. I can drive it all day, and as soon as I turn it off, it behaves as if the battery is dead again. My first thought was alternator, but if the alternator was not charging the battery, wouldn't it not drive? Forgive my woeful ignorance.
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Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2017 0:23 Post subject: Google Ads keep this community free to join! |
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Fostlongstrider Lifetime member
Joined: 03 Mar 2008 Posts: 2590 Location: Hedon, East Yorks
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Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2017 9:39 Post subject: |
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Check the plug on the back of the alternator, they do work loose.
You really need a multimeter to check the voltage output of the alternator which should be around 13.7 to 14 volts.
Sometimes the battery goes down and even though you can jump start it you can't get it going again if you shut it down.
Diesels do not need as much power to keep running as a petrol does, as long as the fuel cutout is powered the engine will run.
MY '88 Delica had your problem and it was traced to a duff battery. A new one cured the problem. _________________ Ian.
All the best from the East Riding of Yorkshire.
'93 L300 Super Exceed Corse Gray over Grace Silver.Auto.
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BunyipGlitch
Joined: 23 Feb 2017 Posts: 4 Location: Northfield VT
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Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2017 9:42 Post subject: |
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I forgot to mention, I just put a new battery in it about three weeks ago. I'll check the alternator in the morning. Can I get to it from under the seat, or do I have to crawl underneath? |
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jejoenje
Joined: 20 Aug 2016 Posts: 785 Location: Alloa, Scotland
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Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2017 9:44 Post subject: |
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Have you measured the battery voltage before/after starting, and while the engine is running? It may be best to first make sure the battery is okay - it's possible it's not holding charge for some reason (my problem currently).
I'm not sure but my guess is if that if battery voltage is actually higher when the engine is running compared to when it is not, the alternator should be working? _________________ 1992 L300 Exceed "Selma" |
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jejoenje
Joined: 20 Aug 2016 Posts: 785 Location: Alloa, Scotland
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Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2017 9:52 Post subject: |
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(Sorry Fostlongstrider - I think our earlier posts crossed!!) _________________ 1992 L300 Exceed "Selma" |
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Fostlongstrider Lifetime member
Joined: 03 Mar 2008 Posts: 2590 Location: Hedon, East Yorks
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Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2017 9:53 Post subject: |
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BunyipGlitch wrote: |
I forgot to mention, I just put a new battery in it about three weeks ago. I'll check the alternator in the morning. Can I get to it from under the seat, or do I have to crawl underneath? |
You have to go underneath to get access to the alternator, too much stuff in the way from above. _________________ Ian.
All the best from the East Riding of Yorkshire.
'93 L300 Super Exceed Corse Gray over Grace Silver.Auto.
Flying Brick Supporter. |
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exarkun
Joined: 11 Feb 2014 Posts: 198 Location: Lancaster
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Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2017 9:55 Post subject: |
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I would suggest getting a cheap alternator /battery tester and hook it up. It would give an indication what state they are both in.
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Fostlongstrider Lifetime member
Joined: 03 Mar 2008 Posts: 2590 Location: Hedon, East Yorks
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Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2017 10:02 Post subject: |
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That's a good idea.
I have a quality multimeter being an electrical engineer, but the above tester is a good investment for the layman. _________________ Ian.
All the best from the East Riding of Yorkshire.
'93 L300 Super Exceed Corse Gray over Grace Silver.Auto.
Flying Brick Supporter. |
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Lewis Site Admin
Joined: 25 May 2006 Posts: 16299 Location: Huddersfield
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Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2017 11:44 Post subject: |
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Funny how these things come in batches , It was only last week that I mentioned using one of those testers on this post:-
http://www.MDOCUK.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=48365&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=tester+battery+alternator&start=15
Check the voltage between the -Negative terminal on the battery and where the +Positive cable connects to the starter motor. It should be the same as the voltage between the two terminals on the battery. If it is not then there is obviously a fault in the cable connection.
You can try using a jump lead to bridge the +Positive battery terminal to the starter motor and see if the engine starts. If it does then check the battery terminal end connections, as it may just need cleaning up and reconnecting.
HTH _________________
Copyright is retained for all my photos. Please don't copy them without asking permission
Do not blindly go where the path may lead you. Go where there is no path and leave a trail that others may follow!
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BunyipGlitch
Joined: 23 Feb 2017 Posts: 4 Location: Northfield VT
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Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2017 13:53 Post subject: |
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okay, I'll head out and check the wire off the back of the alternator this morning, and I'll also check out the wires to the starter. I hope it's something that simple.
Cheers everyone. |
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mr.b
Joined: 27 May 2013 Posts: 78 Location: Bristol
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Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2017 14:39 Post subject: battery connections |
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Hello Buny,
Have you checked the tightness of the battery connections, just try and move the battery connections, if they move
tighten them up a bit, it doesn't take much to stop a good connection, had that happen to a lady where I worked, she drove
in, switched off, got back in car tried to start and it wouldn't, tightened up clamps, started no problem.
Hope this is of some help Chris. |
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Yojimbo
Joined: 01 Dec 2005 Posts: 1202 Location: Bucks
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Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2017 19:11 Post subject: |
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As Mr b says, I've even seen a case where the battery was fine, the clamps tight, and it had to be jumped each time, turned out it was a fine layer of oxide on the clamps and posts, a bit of wet and dry and it was all good. Changing the alternator is not a quick job by the way. |
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