Date:         Mon, 13 May 2002 22:11:35 -0700
Reply-To:     Craig Oda - Personal email <craigoda@COMMUNITYBUILDERS.INFO>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Craig Oda - Personal email <craigoda@COMMUNITYBUILDERS.INFO>
Subject:      starter
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII

I wired my starter with an extra 30amp relay so that the solenoid is
drawing current straight from the battery.  I have an inline 15amp
blue fuse.  The fuse recently blew on a camping trip and I had to
crawl under the van, get greasy, and then rewire around the fuse.  I
didn't have a spare fuse and I have an automatic transmission.  Maybe
my solenoid is sticking or something.  I'm not sure what.  But, it
somehow starts every time.

Anyway, I bought some spare 15amp and 25amp fuses.  I'm thinking of
putting a 25amp fuse inline.  Maybe that's too big, but don't some
people just run a power line direct from the relay to the solenoid
with no fuse inline?  What I'm thinking is that maybe the solenoid is
a little sticky and it needs a whack or something but then during that
time the fuse blows.  Well, but the fuse than having something burn,
but it is kind of pain.  If a 25amp fuse is safe, I may go for that if
the fuse ever burns out again.

Btw, how much of a hassle is it to replace the starter myself?  I'm
just developing my mechanical skills.  I'm still not entirely sure
that I need to replace my starter.

Thanks.

-- Craig

--
Craig Oda   craigoda@communitybuilders.info
VW Info: 1983 VW Westfalia, water-cooled, automatic