Won't Start!! Ideas Please

[ghosty o'shark]

I think I have either a flat battery or a knackered alternator. The battery was flat as a pancake after about 2 weeks of none use. I got it started with the help of the RAC and let it run for 40 mins. I turned the engine off to go into the house for a minute and when I got back it wouldn't turn over.

So the RAC came out again and then I took it for a spin for an hour. When I got back I turned off the engine and then tried to restart it and although there is more charge than there was before there isn't enough to get it going.

So if anyone can help I have a few questions.....

Does it sound like the battery or alternator?
If I got a trickle charger do you think it could recharge the battery over time?
If either the battery or alternator are knackered does it need my TVR dealer to fix it or can my friendly mechanic over the road do it? ie is it pretty standard stuff under there?

I really can't be bothered with the hassle of loading it on a truck and sending it to the dealer for such a trivial thing so all suggestions ware welcome!

[hut49]

IMO it's more likely to be the battery and, if the battery isn't totally shot then a trickle charge reconditioner will do the trick. However I would get your guy to check the alternator output. A one hour drive (assuming it wasn't in the dark with headlights on!) should be enough to fully charge a battery. But if the battery is past it's sell by date then no amount of charging will mean more than a few hours of retained charge. It certainly isn't a TVR main dealer job but do get the appropriately rated battery if you replace it.

[TUS 373]

I had problems last year like this. I swapped the battery over and found it an easy job. Made no difference though. After three hours of the RAC scratching their heads - they gave up. Eventually got it recovered to a dealer who identified the problem as dodgy continuity between the chassis and the earth lead (offside front wheel arch). They took it off, cleaned up the contacts and it has been perfect ever since.

I'd start with the battery and earth lead before worrying about the alternator. Hope that helps.

[ghosty o'shark]

Thanks Guys,

Coincidentally it's the exact same problem as powerlord has on the "weird restarting weirdness with weird bits" thread.