Intermittent ignition problem

[Em and Tim]

Hi, we have a euramobil based on a fiat ducatto. It's a 52 plate, so getting on a bit, but generally mechanically, it is sound.

However, last summer, it was doing something odd in that it would start up first time when cold, but once it had been running, if you turned it off, it would not even try to start again for a random period of time. It stopped this silly habit, and I had quite forgot about it till it did it the other day. Today, on a petrol forecourt, it did it and took an hour and a half before it happily started again as if nothing had ever been wrong. Got back to Inverness, turned it off, tried it straight away and it started first time.

There is a good power supply coming from the engine battery. It does not click. You turn the key, the dash lights do there thing, the heater coil goes out, turn it further, and nothing happens.


Has anyone else ever had this?
Any ideas what it may be?
Any suggestions on how to resolve the issue?

Thanks for any help you can offer.
Tim

 

[pappajohn]

Intermittent earth or starter terminal fault.
Heat may be making it worse with slight expansion on the starter terminal.
Starter motor brushes sticking in their sliders due to heat.

Just guessing

 

[Derbyshire wanderer]

Are you saying that the starter motor does not work or that it does but won’t fire?
A common issue with starter motors is that you switch off and the heat soak from the engine causes an open circuit in the solenoid. If this is the case you need a replacement fitting.

 

[GeoffnDee]

I would suspect the starter or its solenoid, it could be worth removing the starter and having it checked out.