I am in the exact same situation as you (novice mechanic with a bad starter) please let me know what you find out if you get p-mail. BTW Bus Depot has new(not rebuilt) Bosch Starters for $99, they also have a relay kit that is supposed to improve starting on air cooled vans (originally intended for Bays but I think it will work for an early air cooled westy). Thanks, Chris
On Wed, 17 October 2001, Gavin Flanagan wrote: > > Hello Volks, > > I am a novice mechanic so bear with me if this is a silly question. I've > searched the archives and haven't been able to find an answer, so here goes: > > After consultation with some mechanics (and some successful whacks with a > hammer), I came to the conclusion that my starter needs to be replaced. It > intermittently fails, usually after long drives. I hear a click when I turn > the key and 90% of the time a whack on the starter will get the car to > start. It is an '82 Westy with manual transmission. > > I read several sets of instructions before starting the job, disconnected > the negative battery strap, and crawled underneath. I was able to get > oriented to everything except that (supposed) half moon shaped nut on the > upper side of the starter. One of instructions advised accessing it from the > engine compartment above. I have shrouding around my engine and could see no > easy way to get at the nut from above. From below, with many contortions, I > could put my finger on the thing but the (recommended) 17mm socket couldn't > get a grip. I tried a 19 mm also to no avail. > > I have now given up and am covered in grease. Is there a kind soul out there > who can help me become a little more self-sufficient and a little less > reliant on the local vw mechanic? > > Thanks in advance, > Gavin Thanks, Chris Gronski '80 Westy "Pokey" - SLOPOKEY '87 Chevrolet Sprint - Ice Racer '91 Pontiac Firefly - Convertable |
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