Date:         Tue, 28 Aug 2001 12:05:33 -0500
Reply-To:     Larry Alofs <lalofs@ENTERACT.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Larry Alofs <lalofs@ENTERACT.COM>
Subject:      Re: How do I change the starter motor?
Comments: To: Dominic Robertson <dominic.robertson@MAIL.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Dominic Robertson wrote:

> I have an 87 Westy Syncro and it has a problem starting every now and then.
> To start it I have to put it into 2nd gear and bump it and then wait a bit
> and it starts.   It seems to me like a problem with the starter motor?   Is
> it easy to change?   Thanks for any advice.
>
> regards
>
> Dominic
> 87 Westy Syncro

You did not describe the behavior completely.
IF you do not hear any noise when you turn the key, you may have a rather
common problem.  With age, the resistance in the circuitry increases enough
that not enough current is flowing to activate the solenoid on the starter.
This resistance can be in the ignition switch, the wires, the connectors, and
the starter itself (since the solenoid circuit reaches ground thru the
starter).
  Often, an emergency alternative to push starting is to tap on the starter or
solenoid while a helper holds the key in the start position.
  I believe that the Bus Depot sells a "hard start relay kit" to help solve
this problem.
I have installed similar relays in two of my vanagons and one bus.
Larry A.