Volvo MD7A help please!

[Parsonsheath]

Ran perfectly two weeks back, now when I turn the key is dead as a dodo.

Batteries fully charged, fuel topped up.

Nothing happens when I turn key, so presume solendoid gone, anyone know the part number to replace the key/solenoid?

If someone does have that info can they confirm whether I must pay volvo prices or there is an equivalent available with the same prongs etc for connecting?

Any hepl gratefully accepted.

 

[chrishelen]

Are the wires from the ignition ok,what about the engine earth is that connected ok?i think if it was the solinoid playing up it would click when the key is turned,if it does click give it a sharp tap with a hammer to free it.it has worked for me in the past.

 

[VicS]

[ QUOTE ]
so presume solendoid gone

[/ QUOTE ] I would not jump to that conclusion, or any other, that quickly.

Check that you get power onto the small terminal when the key is tuned if not check for poor connections else where and the key switch itself.

If all else fails also with great care short across the two big terminals with something meaty. (If its possible to do that) The engine will crank if there is power getting there and the starter motor is OK.

A bulb on a couple of leads is often more useful than a multimeter for checking for power as that will often still give a reading through a dodgy connection. (got the Tee shirt!)

workshop manual HERE if you need it. it should contain a wiring diagram.

Owners manual From HERE

Battery connections are the first I would double check.

 

[stevebirch2002]

Short solenoid out with a screwdriver (carefully)! Like hot wiring a car. Will prove if it is solenoid or control.

Lift decompression Lever and see if you can turn the engine over with manual starting handle. This will check if it is seized solid.

S

 

[Mudhook]

I used to have this trouble at the beginning of the season (MD7a too) and I used to dismantle the starter motor and oil the bearings. I took it to a specialist for overhaul and I believe it cost me £114 for a complete overhaul of starter and solenoid. It's worked perfectly ever since. If the flywheel ever gets water on it it will shower the starter which doesn't thrive on this kind of treatment.

However the advice given about checking the power supply and shorting the starter will help you isolate the problem.

Regards, Mudhook

 

[gandy]

We had to redo our starter on our MD7A the year before last. The solenoid was gradually getting worse. It always clicked, but sometimes that was all. Then it quite rapidly worsened until it sometimes took 8-10 clicks before it would turn.

Our local auto electrical place did the overhaul. Its a Bosch starter, but not one that they normally carry. I think the overhaul was around £120, to replace the solenoid, drive unit and some bearings and brushes. An exchange unit would have been around £300.00.

These guys quoted £325 for a new (not exchange) unit ...
http://www.alternatormart.co.uk/

I reckon its always worth overhauling or replacing a starter once it starts giving trouble because there's often more wrong that just the final fault. For example on our tractor the drive unit started giving trouble, but when the auto electrical place had a look at the starter they found missing segments on the commutator, overheated windings and worn bearings.

Good luck, and if you need to take the starter out I found I needed some good quality 19mm open-end spanners. The teeth on the flywheel stop you getting any sort of ring or socket onto the inner bolt, and those bolts are tight.