sundowners

I agree with everything you say !!!!-----------first thing is this starting issue-----I realise that many checks have to be made to check fuel pressure and soo many things--one I feel I need to do is check the stop solenoid- (I wonder if it is sticking)---but whether it stands for a week or an hour doesn't seem to make any difference----if it can crank long enough it will eventually start-------following the procedure I mentioned before it USUALLY starts within 5 seconds or so--------but if I have to crank four or so times --the battery is gone.------Most of our runs are daytime of at least 20ish miles. We leave it standing for 3 months at a time quite often-----that is an issue------but the next time it will be linked into a 150w solar panel system----so that will help the health of the battery. I will get a GOOD battery for it and work from there-----I don't want to chop the carrier about, so it will be something like an Optima------I read some rather poor reports on the odyssey, I can't decide if I am better off with red/yellow or blue Optima-- I know the red is correct for a 'starter' battery but if it gets run quite low it seems that a Y or blue would last longer???????????-------I want the most powerful one that will fit in the carrier----------------------the two that I have put on it had good stats but somehow I don't have faith in the figures----a lot cheaper than Optima. I have considered fitting a second battery behind the passenger seat in the seats well------I just don't fancy the cable run!! What do you reckon is best for me at the moment ???? Nigel

Hi Thanks for that concise reply-------I did fit A PAIR of red-tops to my Dodge Ram Diesel and felt they were fantastic at their job (it is now sold)--but thought that one would not give enough AH for bad starting----loads of CCA though for a quick burst like the 5.9 Cummins in the Ram---it only ever turned over for a second or two to start.--------------------Maybe thats what this motor would benefit from --a massive CCA to turn it quicker ???.(and more power for the electrics at the same time) I have run loads of Diesels over the years but never had one that starts as badly as this one---I had a VM 2.5 in a Rover and it was superb.---Is it the 2.8 motor or what Chrysler have done to it thats the problem???. I might get a red-top for it--------do you think the Odyssey is any better to justify that price difference?? Nigel.

Hi I have had the same starting issues with our G Voyager for 3 1/2 years (2.8 diesel)--------I have found that-----turn on the key------when light check mode has finished--turn key off------------watch rev counter or speedo needles--when they drop onto stops -- crank------it usually starts within 2-3 seconds-----------BUT I only have a few seconds to crank as the battery will quickly die----(it is on it's second new one since I have had it) I would love to fit a proper sized battery but we have such a small space to put one-------what battery have others found to do the best job??-----price is (virtually) no issue Nigel

Hi I see you are in Cambs.-------are you far from Mildenhall (Suffolk)-----there is a garage that specialises in Yank motors----they do warranty work for the USAF vehicles----------at least they are familiar with Chrysler vehicles-------MUCH better than paying someone to learn about them-------they have helped me in the past Nigel

Hi all We have owned a 2.8 diesel grand voyager for about 3 1/2 years-----it is the best (most practical) car we have owned------BUT----- it has been sooo frustrating at times.---- We are always open for suggestions/tips to keep it running Nigel