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Subject:Diesel Wiring Problem!
From:Gord Plouffe
Date:Mon, 10 Jan 2000 19:01:00 MST

HELLPPP!!

Ok, heres my problem:

I bought a 1982 westy diesel in September.  It had a new battery, Canadian
Tire 1000 cca eliminator.  Two months later, I was driving down the road and
I heard a ckick click sound and all my gauges/heater went dead.  Turns out
the pos battery post was a bit to high and grounded out on the engine
cover...oops!  So I attached the cable to the side mount, filed down the top
post and put a plastic cap on the post.

Noticed Damage:
-Glow plug temp sensor (replaced)
-E-brake light on all the time (Figure a partially exposed wire)
-Oil light on all the time, even when the wire is unhooked

NOW Bigger problems:
Went to start the van, I had accessories (fan, glowplugs, warning lights,
etc) but just a click when I tryed to crank.  So I cleaned the contacts on
the battery and starter, and had the battery load tested. Now the van would
turn over, but now no accessories and no fuel (pump solenoid still closed).
So I retired to the house in a rage to read the manual.  The next day I went
out to just give it a shot, just click click, no starter, no accessories...I
still feel the battery is strong since checking it with a Volt meter.

What could be wrong?
-Ignition switch....Where is it? How much is it?
-Glow plug relay-It kinda vibrates as it kicks in...can't imagine its
causing the problems described.
-Exposed wires arcing together to cause unpredictable symptoms
-Starter solenoid, but it work well after removing and cleaning (Maybe
intermittent problem here?)

Sorry for the long message but I hope I was clear.
Regards and thanks for any help,

Gord

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