Poxy defender death!

[danchapman2k2]

Jumped in the old girl today to start her up and go to work. I turn the key to the sound of it like struggling to start - normally does then fires after
Couple of seconds! Well this time it didn't I could smell smoke so stopped then tried again! There was a lot heat and light smoke from the passenger side seat! This happened while ago and was faulty earth and I solved the problem but didn't change the battery! Do you think that it's the battery nakered? All help would be welcomed great fully!

 

[jamesmartin]

sounds like poor wires or connections ,battery seems to have enough power ,but theres too much resistance in wiring

 

[danchapman2k2]

Re connected all terminals a couple weeks ago. It starts fine when it's dry etc soon as its damp or cold it's crap

 

[DerekT]

How old battery? get it checked.. Note how many threads here start "thought battery was ok.... but it wasn't" Land Rovers need healthy batteries!!

 

[danchapman2k2]

Yep well i phoned a company who fix most of our cars etc and they are checking it for me when i can get there! Thanks for the help i honestly think its the battery as well. Thanks Derek

 

[danchapman2k2]

well after looking at the landy when i got home tried to start it without boost and the battery doesnt have the power at all!

It just ends up getting hot and starting to give off steam/smoke (very very light smoke) so looks like the battery as all connections seem fine!

 

[Shifty1962]

How old is the batt? They dont last forever - especially when starting diesels.

 

[danchapman2k2]

This is a unknown age as i only just brought it. i feel its not new at all. I cant see it being any other reason as i have reinstalled all terminals on battery and to the earth and isolating switch about a week ago.

 

[wickford90]

Dan, I have a spare here if you need to try one, i am in from 12 tomorrow. PM me if you want to check it out.

 

[wangie46]

This is a unknown age as i only just brought it. i feel its not new at all. I cant see it being any other reason as i have reinstalled all terminals on battery and to the earth and isolating switch about a week ago.

Check the isolating switch ain't shorting out where you installed cause it sounds like a shorting issue if your getting smoke.

 

[danchapman2k2]

Oh really! How would I know if it's shorting it seems fine as far as I can see!

 

[danchapman2k2]

Well just done a search with my battery I have on it and it has a cca of 420 - wonder why it nearly dies when slightly cold

 

[Station House]

Dodgy earths or dodgy battery I'm afraid

To check the battery (assuming you don't just take it to an electric auto/tyre place most of which will do a free check) - see how it behaves when jump starting off another battery

Also check the chassis earth strap from the battery negative terminal - take it off the chassis, clean up and refit with loads of copper grease.

Do the same with the engine earth strap.

If you want to check it is the earth before getting underneath and dirty, run a decent jump lead from the negative terminal to a clean chassis point

 

[danchapman2k2]

Good words and tips mate thankyou! I'm fairly sure that it isn't earth specially to chassis as I checked it all a few weeks ago - but the battery I have "diamond leisure smf110" seems to be a battery for caravans haha

 

[Tom.JTC]

A leisure battery? No wonder you're having problems! Landy engines need a load of juice in a big lump to start, a leisure battery can't provide this as they're meant for long drawn-out discharging, like running caravan electrics.

 

[danchapman2k2]

Thank you or confirming my findings! I spoke to a garage who I use a lot
With my work cars and they agreed also and going to look at it or free to make sure there isn't more then just the battery at fault. TJ ATKINSONS IN INGATESTONE incase anyone is wondering are the people I use. Anyway it took the landy 1/2 hour on boost charge to get enough ummff to start and got it straight there!

 

[danchapman2k2]

well to update this thread incase anyone needs info. Leisure batterys are utter tosh and thats the reason for the crappy starting!! Just thank god for a good start motor and good engine as it didnt need much to turn over and start! Now it starts like a dream (untill i sunk it) But still started well

 

[ratty]

well to update this thread incase anyone needs info. Leisure batterys are utter tosh and thats the reason for the crappy starting!! Just thank god for a good start motor and good engine as it didnt need much to turn over and start! Now it starts like a dream (untill i sunk it) But still started well

Leisure batteries are designed to give a constant power supply throuhout the entire of the battery. Starter batteries are designed to give peak power initially and then drop off throuh the rest of the battery range. Leisure batteries aren't tosh. They just need to be correctly.

 

[danchapman2k2]

I no fella just tosh for a landy!! Lol