12v to 24v

Hi, I'm new to this forum and I'm struggling to find any information or advice about a project I have foolishly started and hopefully someone can help me out or point me in the right direction.

I'm converting an old minibus (CVE Omni) into a camper. It originally had a freight rover 2.5l that had seized and had blown head gasket. Someone near me had a defender 200tdi lump spare I have fixed up and put in. Now originally it was a 24v system in the minibus. I have put the 200tdi in with the old 24v alternator. What else on the 200tdi do I absolutely have to change to make it work with 24v?

I have never attempted anything like this before and world rather get it right now than dismantle it all again. Any help appreciated!

I'd have thought starter motor, heater plugs and stop solenoid.
You should have all those bits on the original lump.

Thanks for your reply. Damn, I gave away the original lump already. I'll have to ask if I can get them. Where is the stop solenoid?

Omni said:

Thanks for your reply. Damn, I gave away the original lump already. I'll have to ask if I can get them. Where is the stop solenoid?

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The stop solenoid is on the injector pump but the 200tdi might be different from the 2.5n/a anyway. Its on the end of the pump with a wire going to it.

If I were you I'd go to the introduce yourself section and make a post , there's people on here will call you out if you don't.

Okey dokey. Thanks for your help. Do you think it will start without changing those things, just so I can check everything else or will I do it a mischief?

I'm not an electrical expert but if you start a thread maybe in the series or defender sections you might pick up someboby who's converted 24v military stuff.

Thanks. That's a good shout. My instinct is that the starter will turn twice as quickly. Ok for a check, but not a permanent solution. I'll be getting to a point when I want to turn it over in the next week or so. Hopefully I'll have some more info by then.

Does your original setup have a 24V battery or two 12V batteries in series?
It may be possible if two batteries to supply starter motor , glow plugs and fuel solenoid from 1 battery.

Blackburn said:

Does your original setup have a 24V battery or two 12V batteries in series?
It may be possible if two batteries to supply starter motor , glow plugs and fuel solenoid from 1 battery.

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It's two 12v in series. This is a solution I like the sound of. The closer to "stock" I can keep the 200tdi, the easier it will be to maintain in the future... Can I wire those components directly from just one battery, essentially setting up a 12v and 24v supply? Every time I think about this problem in general it feels like another can of worms opens up but if this can be done it would be fantastic.

Omni said:

It's two 12v in series. This is a solution I like the sound of. The closer to "stock" I can keep the 200tdi, the easier it will be to maintain in the future... Can I wire those components directly from just one battery, essentially setting up a 12v and 24v supply? Every time I think about this problem in general it feels like another can of worms opens up but if this can be done it would be fantastic.

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Could you set up a 12v leisure battery to use for the starter and heater plugs......the stop solenoid won't take much juice from it as its running.
I just converted an ldv convoy to a camper but I used a banana engine, you're lucky having the BL gearbox, a Tdi would be nice.

Rodeo Joe said:

Could you set up a 12v leisure battery to use for the starter and heater plugs......the stop solenoid won't take much juice from it as its running.
I just converted an ldv convoy to a camper but I used a banana engine, you're lucky having the BL gearbox, a Tdi would be nice.

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Also not a bad idea, but presumably I'd need to wire in a relay from the ignition?

Regarding the gearbox, I still had to change the crank bush (which was a total pain until I was leant a slide hammer) and tap one hole, but apart from that it is a neat fit!

Omni said:

Also not a bad idea, but presumably I'd need to wire in a relay from the ignition?

Regarding the gearbox, I still had to change the crank bush (which was a total pain until I was leant a slide hammer) and tap one hole, but apart from that it is a neat fit!

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Yes you will need a relay, google it loads of ideas out there. It doesn't need to be a heavy duty relay though if you only want to keep the battery topped up and not run winches, lights fridges etc from it. I don't know about the change from 12-24v ...............somebody does though, googles your friend.

After looking and original advice, I think I'm going to change all over to 24V. Glow plugs are cheap, stop solenoid shouldn't be a problem. Just need to locate a starter... Time to go on a hunt.

Hi I also have an Omni ranger with the 2.5 TD engine, I'm looking at fitting a 200 TDI engine for more power and torque bit what I am struggling with is I want it to be automatic gearbox but it's currently front wheel drive, has anyone got any thoughts on how to proceed