Put engine back in--won't start.

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thesamwise4
Getting Hooked!
Location: Honolulu, HI
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Put engine back in--won't start.

Post by thesamwise4 » Thu Oct 20, 2011 1:04 pm

Hello!

I have finally had an opportunity to do some work on the bus, and I was able to get my engine back in. This is the first time that I have done this by myself.

The bus will not start.

When I put the key in and turned it the first time, the red generator light went on for a moment and then went out.

Since then, I get nothing when I turn the key.

I'm certain that I've done something wrong, but I can't figure it out.

The battery is ok--it's been on a float charger for a while in preparation for going back in.

I'll upload two pictures in case it's something that I just can't see.

I will be able to stay here and work for about another hour or two (my bus is not currently kept at my residence). If you want to give me something to check, please feel free to respond. I will be checking every 15 minutes or so.

I really appreciate any help you can offer. Thanks in advance.


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-Dave

1977 Westy Deluxe--The Green Lantern

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Sylvester
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Re: Put engine back in--won't start.

Post by Sylvester » Thu Oct 20, 2011 1:09 pm

Check battery to regulator connection. Also regulator to coil.
Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue, I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace. Where never lark, or even eagle flew. And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod, The high untrespassed sanctity of space, Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.

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ruckman101
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Re: Put engine back in--won't start.

Post by ruckman101 » Thu Oct 20, 2011 1:11 pm

Checked fuses? Check starter? I think you can bridge the starter terminals to test, but I'm unsure about that process. Others here are savvier. Hopefully they'll be more help than I. Good luck.


neal
The slipper has no teeth.

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thesamwise4
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Re: Put engine back in--won't start.

Post by thesamwise4 » Thu Oct 20, 2011 1:55 pm

Neil and Sylvester, thanks so much for the quick replies.

I checked the connections and the starter.

My starter has two terminals for clips but there is only one clip. I switched it, and it started up for me.


Thanks again. It was so great to hear it start up.

Best,
Dave
-Dave

1977 Westy Deluxe--The Green Lantern

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ruckman101
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Re: Put engine back in--won't start.

Post by ruckman101 » Thu Oct 20, 2011 2:23 pm

Right on!


neal
The slipper has no teeth.

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Amskeptic
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Re: Put engine back in--won't start.

Post by Amskeptic » Thu Oct 20, 2011 10:30 pm

thesamwise4 wrote:Neil and Sylvester, thanks so much for the quick replies.

I checked the connections and the starter.

My starter has two terminals for clips but there is only one clip. I switched it, and it started up for me.


Thanks again. It was so great to hear it start up.

Best,
Dave
Dave, did you mean there were two spades and only one connector, and you merely switched connector to other spade?
Colin??
BobD - 78 Bus . . . 112,730 miles
Chloe - 70 bus . . . 217,593 miles
Naranja - 77 Westy . . . 142,970 miles
Pluck - 1973 Squareback . . . . . . 55,600 miles
Alexus - 91 Lexus LS400 . . . 96,675 miles

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thesamwise4
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Re: Put engine back in--won't start.

Post by thesamwise4 » Fri Oct 21, 2011 3:53 am

Hey, Colin,

Yes. That is what I meant. Is this something to be worried about? It seems to be running well now.


Thanks,
Dave

Edited to add:

Colin, I'm really enjoying the pictures of your adventures in the new bus. Beautiful photos.
-Dave

1977 Westy Deluxe--The Green Lantern

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dtrumbo
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Re: Put engine back in--won't start.

Post by dtrumbo » Fri Oct 21, 2011 4:57 am

I think what Colin is driving at is it shouldn't matter to which spade the wire is connected. If moving the wire from one spade to the other fixed the issue, you have an intermittent connection that will eventually bite you in the keister. Slide back under there and make sure the spades are clean and brassy-shiny and the connector on the wire is clean, attached to the wire firmly and makes a nice tight squeeze when you slide it on the spade.
- Dick

1970 Transporter. 2015cc, dual Weber IDF 40's
1978 Riviera Camper. Bone stock GE 2.0L F.I.
1979 Super Beetle convertible.

... as it turns out, it was the coil!

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Amskeptic
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Re: Put engine back in--won't start.

Post by Amskeptic » Mon Oct 24, 2011 6:47 pm

dtrumbo wrote:I think what Colin is driving at is it shouldn't matter to which spade the wire is connected. If moving the wire from one spade to the other fixed the issue, you have an intermittent connection that will eventually bite you in the keister. Slide back under there and make sure the spades are clean and brassy-shiny and the connector on the wire is clean, attached to the wire firmly and makes a nice tight squeeze when you slide it on the spade.
It *can* matter which spade only on those starters where it matters.

Some starters have a simple buss from one spade terminal to another. In these starters, either of the spade will energize the solenoid.

Some starters have only one actual spade-to-solenoid coil and the other spade has to wait until the contact washer has energizes it. Subtle yet stupid.
Colin
BobD - 78 Bus . . . 112,730 miles
Chloe - 70 bus . . . 217,593 miles
Naranja - 77 Westy . . . 142,970 miles
Pluck - 1973 Squareback . . . . . . 55,600 miles
Alexus - 91 Lexus LS400 . . . 96,675 miles

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dtrumbo
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Re: Put engine back in--won't start.

Post by dtrumbo » Mon Oct 24, 2011 6:54 pm

I stand corrected. I received a welcome PM from another who told me the same. Thank God this isn't the electrical forum or I'd be really embarrassed! All of that said, it still might be good to poketh thine heed under thine car and make sure connections are gud 'n' tight 'n' clean!
- Dick

1970 Transporter. 2015cc, dual Weber IDF 40's
1978 Riviera Camper. Bone stock GE 2.0L F.I.
1979 Super Beetle convertible.

... as it turns out, it was the coil!

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