Date: Wed, 11 Sep 2002 17:27:52 -0600
Reply-To: Gary Shea <shea@GTSDESIGN.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Gary Shea <shea@GTSDESIGN.COM>
Subject: Re: 84 Vanagon Starter problem
In-Reply-To: <68.25815d92.2ab12621@aol.com>
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII
Since you're hearing nothing at all, the solenoid is not working.
That's either because electricity's not making it there, or because it's
burned out, or because it's stuck. All are possible, but the solenoids
rarely burn out. Can you determine whether there's power at the
solenoid when the key is turned?
If there is power at the solenoid, pull the power wires and check for
the resistance through the solenoid windings, I don't know how much it
should be but it should NOT be near-infinite! If the resistance is more
than 100 ohms (I'm just guessing here but it probably should be less
than 10!), something is wrong. If the resistance looks ok, pull the
starter, take off the solenoid, pull it apart and grease the shaft.
Apply power to the solenoid when you've got it put back together, it
should snap in and out.
Gary
[2002-09-11 19:05 -0400] Harold Jaynes (HJaynes1@AOL.COM) wrote:
> Let me start out by saying, I am part of the masses that read the volumes of
> posts and am greatly appreciative of the technical expertise that exists
> among the members of this list. Many of you provide indepth explanations on
> complicated engine repairs when you could just opt and leave us to the oft
> overpriced service departments of dealerships and many independent repair
> shops.I can't honestly say that I have much to contribute to the list other
> than the love and joy of owning and driving my Vanagon, one of three I have
> owned. I could own any number of cars that would be more dependable than a
> Vanagon. I own an expensive luxury car, but choose to toodle around in my
> viper red Whale with its huuuuuuge sunroof because it's cool and is a
> throwback to growing up in a family that owned a "loaf", living in Europe and
> driving a "loaf" and driving all over South Africa in a "brick". I'm sure I
> could put in a engine from a Japanese car too which would be more dependable,
> but if I'm going to do that I might as well just go buy an Outback instead of
> turning my Vanagon into some Frankensteinwagen. I'm glad you guys with
> transplanted engines have more horsepower/torque et al, but as for me, nein
> danke to a SuBLAHru or any Japanese engine in it. (By the way, I love
> Japanese cars too, just keep their engines out of my Whale!)I stopped working
> on engines over twenty years ago after dropping a transmission on my chest
> while replacing a clutch on my Z-28 and I can't say that I particularly miss
> bloody knuckles anymore. However; I am relegated from time to time to doing
> simple procedures ....which brings me to my hopefully simple procedure!
>
> I was driving from Philly to Washington DC on Sunday. I stopped at a rest
> area on I-95 and upon returning to the car and turning the keys, nothing
> happened. No click, No grind. Nothing. Fortunately, I was on a tiny bit of
> an incline so I push started the Vanagon and it started right up and I drove
> the rest of the way back. Upon arriving here, I attempted to start the car
> up again, but with the same result. Nothing. Lights and all accessories
> (like there are many on a Vanagon) come on, but no starter action. Cables
> were all clean. The starter is only two years old. Before I start tearing
> things apart, is there some common sense idea you folks might have as to what
> might be wrong with my precious jewel?
>
> Your responses are GREATLY appreciated.
>
> Harold
> Washingotn DC
>
>
>
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