Ford Cargo 813 question for those who know them

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cyberhorse

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Just taken over one of these and have been reading that there is supposed to be a switch on the dash on some of them to "warm the glowplugs?". There are a few switches on the dash that the owner did not know what they were for. Just want to know if we are missing something, basically need to get the thing started in order to take it in to the garage for a service and general once over/glitch list (OH has fitted a new battery and that's now fine). Owner says he just used damp start on it and was not aware of a switch. If I am going to give in to it and use damp start where am I aiming it?!
 
First thing is to make sure that the inside of the battery terminals which make contact with the exterior surfaces of the battery posts where thoroughly cleaned with a metal brush to remove any oxidation that will have built up on them over the years.

Switch the ignition key round so that the light on the dashboard turns on indicating that the glow plugs are being heated and then when it goes out turn fully turn the key to activate the starter motor and hopefully it will then start.

The injectors can become blocked on them if the vehicle has been left standing with stagnent fuel in the fuel tank.

If all fails then find a mobile horsebox mechanic to get it started. (Ask locals at yards who they use).
 
cyberhorse said:
Just taken over one of these and have been reading that there is supposed to be a switch on the dash on some of them to "warm the glowplugs?". There are a few switches on the dash that the owner did not know what they were for. Just want to know if we are missing something, basically need to get the thing started in order to take it in to the garage for a service and general once over/glitch list (OH has fitted a new battery and that's now fine). Owner says he just used damp start on it and was not aware of a switch. If I am going to give in to it and use damp start where am I aiming it?!
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It should start right up with out anything just put your foot on the accellerator make sure the stop is pushed in and it should fire up Do not use easy start that is for muppets....
 
I think it is probably going to be a case of trying to find someone prepared to come out to it. Just wanted to ensure this "magic button" did not exisit. Of course it ran lovely all the way home and was perfectly fine when viewed (as they do).
 
I'm on my 4th Cargo and they can all be a bit stroppy to start in cold weather, although nothing like as bad as the Bedford TK (x2) and TL that preceeded them. My first was an 1983-A reg and the latest is 1989 G reg, none have had glow plugs. I have heard of a mythical flame start but have yet to find anyone with one.I have NEVER used easystart as i was told it will bug&er up the engine. I make sure i buy the battery with a maximum cranking output and if i know its going to be a very cold night then i leave it on charge overnight. I was always taught to start them with the accelerator pedal pressed to the floor and then 95% of the time they go straight away (within 10 secs cranking) The other 5% is usually subzero temperatures so my trusty (very thick cable) lorry jumpleads come out and then they always go. Never had one fail to start in 20 years this way. I would suggest making sure both fuel filters and the little gauze filter (lives in a glass bowl) in the o/s wheel arch are all replaced/cleaned as well as a change of oil and air filter.
Love the cargos as they are easy to get bits for, easy to find someone to do the annual service and so cheap to run :D
 
I dont know about glow plugs on a 813 but mine has one and its an orange light on the dash that resembles a side on coil. Mine comes on when I turn the key part way, then goes off after a short while. Maybe have a look at your dash lights and if it doesnt light up then maybe there isnt one???? Mine is an Iveco Ford so presume the dash will be similar as mine looks the same on this older one as the much newer one I had before???
 
This one is a J plate so is basically even though badged up as Ford Iveco, it is the last cargo year (MY1991) they made before swapping to the Iveco which they badge as Ford. I also was expecting a coil light on the dash as we have had with our diesel cars/vans in the past but there is not one there. On ignition we get the green light from the immobiliser, and on the dash a red oil warning light and a red battery light.

OH is going to go and test all the fuses and electricals tomorrow morning as the battery issue is concerning him. He has fitted a new Varta battery which is up to the manufacturers specifications (specialised auto electrical firm looked it up before telling us which on we needed). However when he came to remove the old one it was underrated and had been hooked up to also draw power from the leisure battery. He feels there may be some issue here with connectors etc or damage. Worth a try while waiting for someone to be available to come out to it.

We were expecting some trouble hence why it will be having a real good going through before use as it has only done about 200 miles over the last two years and 80 of that was us bringing it home. Just thought I would be able to get it to the garage in the first place!

Fingers crossed the thing moves this week...
 
I have a Ford Cargo 813, it took ages to start then started. I turned the engine off to check it would start again but now I only get a click when I turn the ignition key. Any ideas what could be wrong, was hoping to use it this weekend.
 
My Cargo did that, you could turn the key sometimes it would start and others only get a click usually if you keep trying eventually it would just fire up. Eventually tracked the issue to the connectors on the fuse tray shorting out - make sure the fuse tray is fully pushed in position as it can get shaken a bit loose and then short out.
 
Could be the Battery, Starter Motor Solenoid, Battery Terminals, Earth connection to chassis or another electrical fault. Get a commercial vehicle auto technician out to check it out and find the fault.
 
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