Nissan Patrol 4x4 (Africa)

Hmmm.... and not once did we ask if the alternator is charging properly !!!! Maybe the brushes on the alternator are tired, and not charging at 13.4 odd volts, but just enough to keep the motor ticking over when running

well the battery indicator light does go off once started so i assume it is charging.....?

if you have or can get hold of a meter, check the voltage before starting ( someone can correct me if I'm wrong ......should be about 12.5 volts if fully charged ) and then start the car and check again at idle revs and then watch the reading as you increase the revs to about 1500 - 2000 rpm. The reading should be anywhere between 13.5 and 14 volts. if its higher than about 14.2 there could be a problem with the rectifier, or if below 13.4 volts you are not getting enough charge to the battery. The light on the dash will go off cause it is charging.... just not enough

where abouts in JHB are you?

That clicking sound tells me its the battery and not the starter.
Had the same simptoms. I got some advice from one of the members here, cant remember who: Get the biggest battery that you can fit in there!! It worked for me.

Even if its charging, you need to drive to Cape Town to fully charge the battery.(depending on how flat it is )
On long trips starting the diesel was no problem, but short trips in town proved to be more difficult. I took the battery out of the truck and charged it over night with a decent charger. Eventually that wasn't even enough.
Got the Varta G8 at Deltec in Wynberg, Jhb. Good price, think it was R1300 or something. Never looked back. End of problem.

Leander, watse battery is nou daarin?

If the earths are OK, do yourself a favour and give that battery a good charge with a decent charger, then check the starting again. If the problem comes back over time it almost certainly has something to do with your charging system (alternator and wiring). A reputable (and honest) auto electrician will locate and solve the problem quickly.

Die battery kan n probleem wees maar klink meer soos n earth of slegte konneksie kan enige plek tussen battery en starter .....die kleinste los of vuil konnesie kan die problEem gee kyk eers mooi my geld op swak konnseksie erens op die power kant .........die kontrols werk anders sal die solinoid nie klick klick maak nie.....

dankie vir al die advies ouens, ek waardeer

Ricster, ek is aan die wesrand - Roodepoort area
Stefaansie, dit is 'n splinternuwe battery en voor ek vir hom betaal het het ek met my eie oge gesien hy wys 12.56V (en onthou vroeer die oggend het die masjien nog ge-crank met die ouer battery wat 'n dooie sel gehad het)

die trollie staan nie by my huis nie so ek kan ook nie eers in die aande aan hom krap nie so ek sal maar tot die naweek moet wag, dxan sal ek alle konneksies en earth's uitkyk
Tinus - ek dink ook in jou rigting omdat die solenoid klick....

vir nou het ek hom parkeer en die neg. ontkoppel

Ek is ook in Roodepoort en kan miskien help
0825585811
Johan