I have seen some diesel that wouldn�t start cold if the glow plug circuit
couldn�t get enough current.  Clean the battery terminal and inside the
connector. Get it running and then check the voltage at the battery.  You
should be getting about 13.6 or higher for most applications.  If
considerable less check the connections at the starter terminal and clean
them.  The heavy lug of the starter terminal is where the alternator
connects to the battery cable.  This is a loose connection and corrosion
point that gets missed often.  If voltage is still low get the alternator
tested at a flaps if you don�t have a tester.
jimt

On 12/12/04 5:14 PM, "Dave Chameides" <docproteus@EARTHLINK.NET> wrote:

> I posted a while back that I was having problems starting my 83 1.6 diesela
> nd received a slew of info, mostly relating to glow plugs and relays/fuses.
> Thanks for all the help.  After checking glow plugs and all, it seems that
> what brought the beast back to life was a good overnight trickle charge to
> the battery.  Glow Plug/Relay seem to be working fine.  The same trickle
> charger told me that my alternator is not working correctly.  Now before I
> go and replace/rebuild the thing can anyone tell me another way to check it?
> Also, I�m a bit new to this diesel thing, but why would a low battery stop
> the van from running?  It was cranking (although eventually it would crank
> down to the point of not starting).  Any thoughts?
> 
> Dave
> 
>