Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Sir Squeaky on April 10, 2007, 08:25:37 am

Title: Aaaarghhh!!!
Post by: Sir Squeaky on April 10, 2007, 08:25:37 am
Didn't charge the battery up!
Bit late now. >:( >:( >:(
Title: Re: Aaaarghhh!!!
Post by: mbredalert on April 10, 2007, 08:36:16 am
maybe not. whack it on quick, you'll probably have enuf charge for the day. whats the capacity on the battery? and was it fully discharged over the weekend?
Title: Re: Aaaarghhh!!!
Post by: Peter Fogwill on April 10, 2007, 08:45:06 am
Didn't charge the battery up!
Bit late now. >:( >:( >:(

Make up a plug to fit into cigarette lighter one end and the pump the other.  Ideal for emergencies like this.

Peter
Title: Re: Aaaarghhh!!!
Post by: Sir Squeaky on April 10, 2007, 09:12:06 am
That's a good idea Peter.

It's on for a couple of hours now, then I'll work a bit later and have a shorter lunch.
Shouldn't be any worse off.

The charger goes from 6 down to 1, and it's on 3.
Another hour should see it about 2, and I expect that'll last the day.

Title: Re: Aaaarghhh!!!
Post by: SherwoodCleaningSe on April 10, 2007, 09:22:03 am
Wow how long do you have for lunch? ;)

Hope it goes well.
Title: Re: Aaaarghhh!!!
Post by: Trevor Knight on April 10, 2007, 10:21:51 am
Squeaky,

Our garage fit a charge relay that works off the alternator so we always have a charge. It costs £30 each vehicle and would save you this problem. May be worth asking in your local garage if they can do the same.

Trev
Title: Re: Aaaarghhh!!!
Post by: Sir Squeaky on April 10, 2007, 03:54:09 pm
Doesn't matter now Trev, the van's packed up.  ::)

Starter motor doesn't work.
Luckily I was parked on a slope, but outside my house isn't.

Can't move it now.

I just wanted to get work back up together and then lease a new van, but it's not even going let me do that is it? >:(

5 weeks behind, 5 weeks without earnings, now this.
Doesn't life kick you when you're down...? :'(
Title: Re: Aaaarghhh!!!
Post by: Tosh on April 10, 2007, 05:32:56 pm
Squeaks,

I feel sorry for you, mate.  If there's anything I can do; give me a shout!

A starter motor isn't the end of the world though.  They're normally simple to fit; even 'cack-handed' me has fitted one.

Title: Re: Aaaarghhh!!!
Post by: Tosh on April 10, 2007, 05:42:23 pm
Oh, have you tried banging it with a hammer; the starter motor that is?

Sometimes they just stick and a tap-or-two with a hammer sorts them out!
Title: Re: Aaaarghhh!!!
Post by: Paul Coleman on April 10, 2007, 05:45:33 pm
Doesn't matter now Trev, the van's packed up.  ::)

Starter motor doesn't work.
Luckily I was parked on a slope, but outside my house isn't.

Can't move it now.

I just wanted to get work back up together and then lease a new van, but it's not even going let me do that is it? >:(

5 weeks behind, 5 weeks without earnings, now this.
Doesn't life kick you when you're down...? :'(

Sorry to hear that Rog.
Escort spares tend to be fairly cheap but it's a pain in the rear when the budget is tight.
Hope you get it sorted quick mate.
Title: Re: Aaaarghhh!!!
Post by: Sir Squeaky on April 10, 2007, 05:46:13 pm
Oh, have you tried banging it with a hammer; the starter motor that is?

Sometimes they just stick and a tap-or-two with a hammer sorts them out!
Yeah, it's had a right old whack.
It was dented already, so it's obviously happened before.

Whether I can fit it I don't know, I'm crap at these things.
Haven't got the money for another one (even from a scrappy) anyway.

It's also started making a grumbling noise from a front axle too, or somewhere in that region.
It wallows like a boat when it's got a full load of water in.
Bloody deathtrap, wish I'd never bought it. >:(

Got another reminder letter from Inland Revenue again today too.

Everyone wants money but I have none. :(
Title: Re: Aaaarghhh!!!
Post by: peter1 on April 10, 2007, 05:53:44 pm
hi squeaky i had that problem on a car before toke to a garage they tapped the starter motor all over with a hammer and it started to work till i had the money to replace only a idea mate
Title: Re: Aaaarghhh!!!
Post by: KJG on April 10, 2007, 05:59:36 pm
Oh, have you tried banging it with a hammer; the starter motor that is?

Sometimes they just stick and a tap-or-two with a hammer sorts them out!

Yeah, that can work in if it's not completely knackered. Also, try rolling forward a few inches before ignition and 3 or 4 quick turns of the key too.

Title: Re: Aaaarghhh!!!
Post by: Chris Cottrell on April 10, 2007, 06:30:05 pm
Starter motors are normally exchange parts or atleast recon parts , i had mine reconditioned recently cost me about £35/40 or so I took it off dropped it in an had it back same day too it only has 3 bolts on it to take it off

Chris
Title: Re: Aaaarghhh!!!
Post by: Moderator David@stives on April 10, 2007, 06:52:01 pm
put it in gear and rock the car, normally helps.

As for the flat battery, i wont say i told you !!!!!!!!

Anyway dont feel down , you will soon be laughing about this traumatic time

Dave
Title: Re: Aaaarghhh!!!
Post by: Russell Macdonald on April 10, 2007, 07:02:09 pm
Dude, what can i say. Nothing worse than  when it all seems against you.

You will get there mate.

Macc
Title: Re: Aaaarghhh!!!
Post by: aztec on April 10, 2007, 07:05:40 pm
never rains but it pours mate

where are you perhaqps some of us can help you get back on track
Title: Re: Aaaarghhh!!!
Post by: Sir Squeaky on April 10, 2007, 07:06:46 pm
Cheers guys.

I've tried everything, including belting it.
Think I'll start belting the van soon... >:(

I'll borrow the missus' car tomorrow, and try to get one early.
If it can be fitted by my useless self (or Ian), then it'll do for now.

Still concerned about the grinding noise though, and it ain't the brakes.

I'm not throwing money at the pile of poop.
Been there years ago.
Title: Re: Aaaarghhh!!!
Post by: Pat Purcell on April 10, 2007, 07:15:52 pm
Roger, sometimes when the starter is giving trouble its just the starter selonoid
(a small usually circular box about the size of a pack of cigarettes with a wire running from the battery to it and from there to the starter) just disconnect the wire from the battery and whack the selonoid a few times with the end of a screw driver and replace the wire and try it
May not be the problem but worth a shot
Title: Re: Aaaarghhh!!!
Post by: JohnL on April 10, 2007, 07:18:07 pm
Give it a good whipping with a branch Rog   ;D
Title: Re: Aaaarghhh!!!
Post by: Sir Squeaky on April 10, 2007, 07:20:17 pm
Give it a good whipping with a branch Rog   ;D
;D
I'd swap it for an Austin1100 estate anyday John!

Here's a picture of my van:

Title: Re: Aaaarghhh!!!
Post by: Tosh on April 10, 2007, 08:01:59 pm
I've got a similar model car.
Title: Re: Aaaarghhh!!!
Post by: Bazzy1999 on April 10, 2007, 09:42:04 pm
Not a bad day after all now Chelsea are through..  ;D

Chin up Rog..

Title: Re: Aaaarghhh!!!
Post by: Trevor Knight on April 10, 2007, 11:01:31 pm
No probs Rog,

Shame you don't live closer, you could borrow our Mondeo to help you out until ya get sorted!

Hope it gets sorted soon.

Trev
Title: Re: Aaaarghhh!!!
Post by: Tosh on April 11, 2007, 09:09:08 pm
Squeaks, (Rog),

I take it you fixed the starter motor?
Title: Re: Aaaarghhh!!!
Post by: Sir Squeaky on April 11, 2007, 10:02:16 pm
No.
It started this morning. ::)

I took it to my mechanic and he was more concerned by the big knocking noise and various rumbles.

Turned out I had a virtually collapsed wheel bearing and the gearbox was hanging off at one end.
The whole van's been botched up for years it looks like.
He couldn't get the starter to fail, so no point replacing it just for a week or so's use.

Looks like van-lease time.
I wanted to wait until I was earning the extra money, but it's cost me a months lease in the last 2 days now.
At least I'll be working all the time then. :)

Title: Re: Aaaarghhh!!!
Post by: JohnL on April 11, 2007, 11:00:28 pm
Another Van Lease link if you dont have it already Roger  - 

http://www.anchorvans.co.uk/used_vans.htm

You do seem to be getting on top of it all though

Best of luck mate
Title: Re: Aaaarghhh!!!
Post by: Sir Squeaky on April 11, 2007, 11:10:38 pm
That's very good John.
There must be more to it surely... :o

I have been seeing around £55-65 p/w for a Vivaro.
They're quoting £37!

I'll have two! ;D
Title: Re: Aaaarghhh!!!
Post by: Paul Coleman on April 12, 2007, 12:45:15 am
No.
It started this morning. ::)

I took it to my mechanic and he was more concerned by the big knocking noise and various rumbles.

Turned out I had a virtually collapsed wheel bearing and the gearbox was hanging off at one end.
The whole van's been botched up for years it looks like.
He couldn't get the starter to fail, so no point replacing it just for a week or so's use.

Looks like van-lease time.
I wanted to wait until I was earning the extra money, but it's cost me a months lease in the last 2 days now.
At least I'll be working all the time then. :)



Great stuff Rog.
Don't take this the wrong way mate but to me, it looks like the best decisions you have made lately are the ones that have been forced on you.  It's been like that for me at times too.  Sorry to hear that the Escort is a bit of a dog but at least you're replacing it with something more worthwhile.  Give it a few months - or maybe a year - and you'll wonder what the problem was.
Title: Re: Aaaarghhh!!!
Post by: Tosh on April 12, 2007, 08:03:07 am
Roger (Squeaks) is sounding far more positive these days which is a shame really; since if he sacked it and went to work in a warehouse or something; there'd be a lot more work going round!  ;D

I did mention to Ian_Giles that Squeaks would either end up loving the WFP, or sacking window cleaning altogether within three months.  I betted on the latter.

It looks like Squeaks is going to prove me wrong; and that has only happened once before.  I seem to remember it was a Tuesday and I said it would rain; and it didn't.

Good luck with the new van Roger!
Title: Re: Aaaarghhh!!!
Post by: JohnL on April 12, 2007, 08:38:25 am
That van outfit sounds good to me too. I spoke to them a few times about leasing and they do deals where you can put down larger deposits if you want and the monthly payback is adjusted accordingly.

It all looked pretty good but I chose to buy a used van privately in the end.
Title: Re: Aaaarghhh!!!
Post by: gary evans on April 12, 2007, 09:17:05 am
Rog.
I use a company called acornfinance, they are very good, but you have to wait for the best deals & book them fast. Just booked a Focus for april delivery.

Examples of the 3 original vehicles:

Toyota hiace £160.00
Skoda Fabia estate 1.4 £99 ectended for extra time 9% discount £91.00
Mitsubushi l200 crew cab 4 life £160.00

These are examples of good deals, but, it seems not much on offer at moment.
Previous deals on offer.
Citroen (scudo sized van) £130.00 includeing insurance
vw transporter £160.00
Toyota hiace £160.00
Fiat doblo & citroen berlingo £115.00
Vauxall vavaro £170.00.

like i say not much at moment with new reg out if you can your van & wait for a deal you can get a bargain.

1 other option is ex gas kangoo or combo good load carrying & low milage they was around £3.5k + vat by us but are very clean & have fitted extras.

Hope this helps as the other vans seemed expensive + they were not new. This way you als get to buy at end of lease.

gary

Title: Re: Aaaarghhh!!!
Post by: matt on April 13, 2007, 09:25:26 am
we used to use "burnt tree" they are up your way, i know i used to return the vans to exchange then in monmouth somewhere

they must have been a good price to have been used my the council
Title: Re: Aaaarghhh!!!
Post by: matt on April 13, 2007, 09:28:03 am
just checked, in gloucester
Title: Re: Aaaarghhh!!!
Post by: Sir Squeaky on April 13, 2007, 03:57:00 pm
Cheers Matt.
I may look tomorrow if my parents will drive me up there.

The van packed up again today. >:( >:( >:(
It's costing me far more than the payments would be.

Also the missus is away this weekend.
As great as that is, I'm stuck in. >:(
Title: Re: Aaaarghhh!!!
Post by: Tosh on April 13, 2007, 04:19:41 pm
Rog,

What's up with the van now?  Is it still the starter motor?

PS.

Did Mrs Bailey from Tintern phone you?
Title: Re: Aaaarghhh!!!
Post by: Lizzy on April 13, 2007, 04:37:52 pm
Lucky Mrs Squeaks!

Oh London clubbing.........I wish!
Title: Re: Aaaarghhh!!!
Post by: Sir Squeaky on April 13, 2007, 04:51:42 pm
Lucky Mrs Squeaks!

Oh London clubbing.........I wish!
Eh?
She's gone with friend and kids to West Wales.
Title: Re: Aaaarghhh!!!
Post by: Sir Squeaky on April 13, 2007, 04:52:43 pm
Rog,

What's up with the van now?  Is it still the starter motor?

PS.

Did Mrs Bailey from Tintern phone you?
Yes it's the starter again.

No, she hasn't.
Lots of other customers have rang me though, as I'm a month behind.
Title: Re: Aaaarghhh!!!
Post by: Lizzy on April 13, 2007, 05:03:16 pm
Lucky Mrs Squeaks!

Oh London clubbing.........I wish!
Eh?
She's gone with friend and kids to West Wales.


London clubbing bit was for me Squeaks



 ;) Thats what shes telling ya!
Title: Re: Aaaarghhh!!!
Post by: matt on April 13, 2007, 07:10:54 pm
rog

where has your old car gone ? ?? ? ( i must have missed that post )

get a sack truck and use a few 25 L barrels, i know its not what you wanted to do, but at least you will be out working and earning
Title: Re: Aaaarghhh!!!
Post by: Sir Squeaky on April 13, 2007, 07:54:13 pm
Matt, I traded the car in for a new family car, and I have the van.

What's a sack truck? Is that like a pickup or something?
I'm not buying another old banger, besides, I have no money.

Can't lug 25L barrels about with an iffy back and I'm only just recovering from a bad neck and shoulder.
Title: Re: Aaaarghhh!!!
Post by: matt on April 13, 2007, 08:07:28 pm
a sack truck

(http://shop.handling-storage.co.uk/ekmps/shops/lomart/images/universal_sack_trucks_collage1_80.jpg)


just thought if you still had the car, you could use a few 25 L barrels whilest your getting back on your feet moneywise

i know you have a bad back / nech / shoulders, bit if its only for a few weeks till you get back in the money, you only need to move then from your car's footwells to the sack truck

Title: Re: Aaaarghhh!!!
Post by: Sir Squeaky on April 13, 2007, 08:17:24 pm
I haven't got a car though.
Title: Re: Aaaarghhh!!!
Post by: matt on April 13, 2007, 08:39:32 pm
I haven't got a car though.

thats the only stumbling block to my otherwise cunning plan ;)
Title: Re: Aaaarghhh!!!
Post by: Cleaner Windows on April 14, 2007, 11:18:07 pm
if I lived closer I'd give you a hand m8, I know how tough it can be sometimes! teetering on the edge of being redundant etc.
like when my vauxhall 1.9 td camshaft seized up and all the tappets and rockers decided to do their worst in december right b4 xmas! no money left to sort the problem and had to borrow and scrimp to get by for a month.
Hope you sort it soon rog, best wishes! it wil be just a memory soon enough ;)