Starting Problems!!!

[mariosassano]

I have a Fird Transit Tipper. I have had problems starting it so i have brought a brand new battery. It started okay the first few times but now it wont start unless jump started. There was also deisel leaking form the engine at one point but that seems to have stopped. What could this be??

[saxo_boi]

dont quote me on this mate because im not too sure, but i think it may be something to do with the alternator? so maybe your battery isnt being recharged while you are using it so it is fine for a while when you had the new one but it wont keep its charge because of the alternator not recharging it properly. as i say im not a mechanic by any means but its just an idea

[verrecchia]

Millsy is correct it could well be the alternator, the battery is only there to turn the starter, once the engine is runnig the alternator powers all the electrics, and charge the battery, but if it's busted, then the battery becomes the back up, and all electrics are powered off it, which means as it is not being charged, it will drian quickly. th engine might run fine, especially diesels, but when you stop it, and try to start it again the battery will be flat.

if the diesel leak was above the alternator it is vey possible that diesel has gotten into it and ******** it up

[ted crilly]

Sounds like the diode pack has failed in the alternator. Diodes are like a one-way valve for electricity. In simple terms when a alternator operates it pushes a voltage into the battery to charge it. When the engine has stopped the diodes prevent the voltage in the battery flowing back into the alternator and keeping the battery charged. When the diodes fail there is nothing to stop the battery discharging itself through the alternator. Get the alternator checked by a good auto-electrician.