Date:         Wed, 6 Dec 2000 08:18:56 -0500
Reply-To:     Doug Alcock <dgalcock@HEWITT.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Doug Alcock <dgalcock@HEWITT.COM>
Subject:      Re: will not start when hot
Comments: To: "1980 VW Westfalia \"Pokey\"" <pokey@VANAGON.ORG>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

>I had this problem too once (though it hasn't re-occured). And it was right
>after driving nearly 500 miles (ie: plenty of charge time for the alternator
>to replace the charge). What are the other potential causes?
>
>Thanks,
>Chris Gronski
>Toronto, Ontario,
>'80 Westy "Pokey" - SLOPOKEY


Hi Chris,

     While you don't give much detail --- hot start problems can be caused by a
worn
bushing at the bottom of the starter. The bushing ends up out of round and the
doohickey that
spins in it can end up 'stuck' ----- particularly when things are expanded due
to lots of engine heat.
Replace the bushing --- or the whole starter since it's a PITA to get at. To
confirm this diagnosis, the
next time it happens, slide under the van and hit the starter a few times with
your BFH. If the engine
now turns right over --- this is your problem. I had a 78 with this problem ----
I carried a hammer
behind the driver's seat and could have entered the Olympic event for zipping
out of the van, sliding under it ,
delivering four fast whacks to the starter and getting back behind the wheel and
under way. Maybe they should
start Indy like this...............

Cheers,
Doug Alcock
'84 Westy
Toronto, Canada