Date: Sun, 25 Mar 2001 17:17:02 -0600
Reply-To: Larry Alofs <lalofs@ENTERACT.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Larry Alofs <lalofs@ENTERACT.COM>
Subject: Re: Won't start when hot OR cold
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
"Carlen, Gregg" wrote:
> Hey folks, I'm back on the list after being gone awhile. I have a problem
> with my 85 1.9l waterboxer Westy. I had the problem of 'won't start when
> hot' for quite awhile. It got worse and worse. Now its at the point where it
> won't start at all. ANY advice at this point would be helpful! I've tried
> everything I can think of. Here's what I've done so far:
>
> Checked and cleaned EVERY negative ground point I can find (including
> transmission grounding).
> Added 2 additional grounding straps to the system (one from the engine to
> chassis and one from tranny to chassis)
> Cleaned terminals of battery and cables
> Replaced the battery
> Tried the 'add-a-solenoid' trick described in the archives (since removed
> since it didn't make a difference and I figured why complicate the issue)
> Replaced the starter/solenoid
> Checked the alarm system contacts and function (aftermarket 'Hornet' alarm
> system)
> Checked every fuse and contact I could find under the dashboard
> Replaced the starter switch on the steering wheel column
>
> At point I could start the van only when the engine was cold. Then, I was
> only able to start the van when I tapped on the starter solenoid while my
> wife turned the ignition key. That deteriated in frequency, too. I was then
> only able to start the van with a jump start from my other car or the
> 'start' mode on my battery charger. Then it only would start with the jump
> start. Now, it won't start no matter what I do.
>
> My theory: I think I have an intermittent open ground somewhere that I can't
> find. I think it has deteriorated until it won't start now. Any advice?
> Anyone got a free evening or day during the weekend in the DC area (Oakton)
> that might be able to help by taking a look? I bought her in 1990 and its
> been great. It's got 202k on it (I rebuilt the engine at $125k), it survived
> the infamous blown head gasket problem and numerous other Vanagon common
> problems. Anyone that can help or advise, please let me know. I'm about
> fresh out of ideas.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Gregg Carlen
> 85 Westy (taking a rest from humans)
I'm unclear about whether you replaced the starter itself or just the solenoid.
I assume that there are no clicks or turning sounds at all from the starter
area.
If the starter is bad, the solenoid won't click because the ground path for the
solenoid is thru the starter.
Figure out a way to measure the voltage at the solenoid terminal that gets
current from the ignition switch while you attempt to activate it. If that
point reaches at least 10 or 12 volts while the body of the starter is close to
0 volts but the starter doesn't go, then the starter and/or solenoid must be
bad.
Larry A.
been there
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