When I first got my Pumkin (1999 300tdi 90 truck cab)
when I turned the key there was always a delay before the starter actually engaged. no problem.

I just got her back from the Doctor (mechanic), she went in for some electrical problems that are now fixed. BUT NOW when I turn the key the delay is three times as long!!!!!!

What does this mean? I turn the key and have to wait a few seconds for the starter to engage.

I am just happy to have my baby home

Sorry, its friday night and I have already had a few too many


Thganks

Have you had the electrons in your wiring loom topped up recently???












































On a more serious note - when you say a delay to your starter engaging, do you hear anything as you turn the key before the engine turns over?

sounds like the starter switch or bad connections at the relay

Agree with Andy - but would add dodgy earth and starter solenoid as other possibles to check

Thanks.

I think its the switch.
I am also having problems with the headlight switch, its not working!
I t was before it went to the mechanic.
So she is going back again on Monday.

I had a similar problem to this last winter. Sometimes the starter wouldn't turn but the solenoid would click, sometimes the solenoid would click and then there would be a delay before the starter turned and sometimes the solenoid wouldn't click at all. It all came down to a poor earth between the negative terminal of the battery and the 90 body. In my case, the earth cable was bolted to a flimsy bit of alli at the back of the battery box which had corroded through and turned into a nice white gunky mess. I re-routed the earth wire and uprated it a little so that it bolted straight to the back of the transfer box. There is now a really good circuit between the engine and the battery, directly through the gearbox. If you decide to go down this route, also ensure that you have a thick earth strap between the engine and the chassis to make sure the rest of your electronics are grounded sufficiently. Starting is afterall, one of the most current / amp intensive loads that you will put on your electrical system, so it's worth having a look at the battery earth connections.

-Tom

I always run a heavy earth cable direct from the battery to the engine block with all my motors for just this reason. Makes starting much easier on me and the battery.

Well, Pumkins going back to the doctor this morning.
No headlights,no left indicator and a really long delay when I turn the key to start her.

Just sounds like a really bad earth at the battery / body. Either that or the wiring has just completely ****ed its self.