Date: Wed, 11 Sep 2002 11:26:10 -0700
Reply-To: Jack <john.cook58@VERIZON.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Jack <john.cook58@VERIZON.NET>
Subject: Re: New Starter Stopped Working requires the RI wizard
In-Reply-To: <006201c259b4$00dca240$da6da2d8@taos>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII
One more possibility that should probably be checked.
If there's a partial short (shunt) inside the solenoid, it would help
explain the large voltage drop as well as the apparent non-function(?) of
the solenoid. It may also mean that your switch contacts have been and
are being cooked. Not good. This might explain the change; i.e., the
resistance of the switch contacts has increased to the point where not
enough current is getting to the solenoid coil.
So, one more test would be to connect an ammeter in series with the
solenoid wire to check the current. Unfortunately, I can't tell you what
the current should be. Maybe someone else knows or has a good one handy
they can test (either actual current or resistance). But as a wild guess,
I'd say you should not see more than an amp or two (hopefully less). But
note that solenoids are pretty hefty devices intended to slam very large
contacts closed very hard & quick.
It might be interesting to know why the previous starter was replaced.
In any case, good luck and let us know what you find.
//Jack
On 11 Sep 2002, at 11:54, Noel Cookson wrote:
> I have 12 volts at the starter. The lower voltage I mentioned was measured
> at the solenoid on the starter. This voltage passes through the ignition
> switch and smaller wires than those found on the starter, hence the voltage
> drop.
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "gary hradek" <hradek@YAHOO.COM>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Wednesday, September 11, 2002 11:22 AM
> Subject: New Starter Stopped Working requires the RI wizard
>
>
> > Noel,
> > I may be off base here but I think you need 12
> > volts to the starter. If we can get some input from
> > our wizard in RI I think he can better explain the
> > actual voltage needed. Should check your grounds as
> > there are several and your battery and alternator
> > output. gary
> >
> > Date: Wed, 11 Sep 2002 10:02:59 -0500
> > From: Noel Cookson <ncookson@NETWORKUSA.NET>
> > Subject: New Starter Stopped Working
> >
> > Hi listees. Questions about starter motors. I just put
> > in a new starter
> > that
> > stopped working after only 6 days of use.
> >
> > Before pulling the new starter I checked the voltage
> > at the solenoid.
> > There
> > were between 8.5 and 9 volts there. My understanding
> > is the voltage
> > should
> > be at least 8 volts. So the 8.5 to 9 volts should be
> > okay.
> >
> > Next I pulled the starter and gave it a visual
> > inspection. One thing I
> > noticed is the shaft coming out of the starter can be
> > moved in and out
> > and
> > up and down. This surprised me I thought there would
> > be no such play.
> > What
> > do you think of this? Should I send the starter back
> > and get a new
> > one?
> >
> > Lastly, I visually inspected the bushing in the bell
> > housing. My
> > mechanic
> > says they are okay as long as they are round, not
> > oblong. Mine was
> > round so
> > I did not replace the bushing. Does everyone agrees
> > with this approach?
> >
> > FYI, I wired up the starter while it was out and it
> > spun just fine.
> > When I
> > put the starter back in it continued to work.
> >
> >
> > Noel '88 GL tiico
> >
> >
> > __________________________________________________
> > Yahoo! - We Remember
> > 9-11: A tribute to the more than 3,000 lives lost
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> >
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