[Ray]

We use a spitfire 3.2 Truck mount.

Yesterday it would not restart due to a flat battery. I got a set of Jump leads on it and used the van battery to get it restarted. Had the battery tested and it was found to be OK.

Battery was then put on charge overnight.

Have you ever tried to start them with the pull start!!!   I couldn’t get it to go.

Had a look at it this afternoon and found the alternator is not charging, No difference in voltage whether the engine is running or not 12.5 volts only.

Where is the alternator fitted? I think it is behind the flywheel but not sure.

Will the engine keep running as long as it can be started by jump leads and will it then run all day or will the battery just drain so that the engine then cuts out.

I need to know as I have not decided whether to cancel Mondays work yet.

I would ask Hydramaster but they are closed at weekends..

Ray

[Len Gribble]

Ray

I’m have the same problem with my Blazer, went and brought a split charger  (as they use for caravans) if I have time will fit it tomorrow.

Never happy in cancelling work don’t look to good form a customers point of view, what I would do charge battery over Sunday night and if possible take a back up just in case and Monday contact Hydramaste, you could also contact Briggs & Stratton who’s engine it may be web site http://www.agregister.co.uk/company-75058682.html  they will supply you will a local contact.

Hope this helps

Len

[tony harrison]

Ray,

In answer to your question The battery will eventually drain if no charge is going back into it.

This has happened to me and  I traced the fault to a bad earth connection, also if your battery terminals are corroded or loose the same applies.

To get you over the problem of finishing a job if it does go flat this is what I have done in the past.

Connect your battery on your Spitfire to your van battery and just run your van engine on tick over ( make sure there are no cops around or better still park it on your customers drive.

Regards Tony Harrison

[Mike Halliday]

can't you just by-pass the spitfire battery altogether and wire it into the van battery? my electric start runs off the van battery.

Mike

[tony harrison]

Mike,

The answer is yes but you still need a battery connected to the spitfire charging system as you could damage the alternator if it is not already damaged.

Regards Tony Harrison

[Len Gribble]

Thanks Tony followed your advise

Put new earth lead from battery to van now charge at 14v

Len

[Dave_Lee]

Ray,
I have had exactly the same problem with my Side Kick TM (Twice in 16 months)
Briggs & Stratton engine. Basically it is a knackered battery thats at fault.
You cant check to see if its charging, if the battery the charging system is conected to at the time is not fully charged. You would have to conect to a good charged battery first, then see if the charging system is working. Had this done at an auto eletricians and the answer on both occasions was a dud battery, that would not hold its charge. Its to do with the envirement that its located in, i.e. confined very hot atmosphere etc. I had to jump start mine for a couple of weeks, which once done for first job, then was okay for the rest of the day, but after two weeks, had to jump start for every job. Got fed up of this so got a new battery.

[Dave Parry]

Ray, if jump starting your spitfire I would not have van engine running. had same problem with my Boxxer, instruction book specifically says doing this can blow the regulator on the t/m. Driving between jobs should recharge van battery enough.

[Dynafoam]

Dave,

The advice in your manual is in line with standard best practice for jump starting.

Unless the alternator on the unit being started is disconnected, its' rectifier could be burnt out. If this occurrs, a good auto-electrician would recommend the cheaper repair of replacing just the rectifier, whereas most will take the easier (and more expensive) option of fitting an exchange alternator.

[Ray]

Rang Hydramaster this morning. Craig suggested a number of checks to make with a Multimeter.

Cleaned a 3 piece suite this morning but kept the engine running. The battery could just about restart the engine after we had finished. Took a set of jump leads just in case.

Rang Craig this afternoon who told me what to next check for next.

With his expertise was able to find the fault (Voltage Regulator) with part now in the post.

Like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at Hydramaster (Craig, Martin, John and Lorraine) for the professional way they have always dealt with any queries we have had. They are a good and helpful company to deal with.

Ray

Got to cook the tea now or the wife will shout at me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!