Date: Wed, 11 Sep 2002 21:13:47 -0700
Reply-To: David Marshall <vanagon@VOLKSWAGEN.ORG>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: David Marshall <vanagon@VOLKSWAGEN.ORG>
Subject: Re: 84 Vanagon Starter problem
In-Reply-To: <68.25815d92.2ab12621@aol.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
This has happened to me on a few occasions. I have even installed NEW
starters only to have this problem happen in a very short while. The
problem is the start wire from the ignition. Chances are very good that you
have some corrosion in the wiring of the van - it takes a little juice to
trigger the solenoid and because of this, if there is any corrosion, you
will have resistance and because there is resistance you will get voltage
drop (V=I^2xR or Volts = Current squared times resistance). You need at
least 8V to make the solenoid work - the thing to do is crawl under the van
and remove the red wire with the black stripe from the back of the starter
and see if there is ANY voltage going there first - chances are there is and
it will read close to 12V when you turn the key in the on position (as there
is no electrical load). If there is voltage there, take a jumper wire
(piece of 12ga) and go between the big battery wire post and the trigger on
the solenoid (make DAMN sure you are in neutral and the park brake is on,
key is OFF and someone is there to give you a hand - don't squash yourself!)
chances are very good that the starter will go instantly. If this is the
case all you need is a simple Bosch style relay to trigger the solenoid.
Wire it as follows:
30 Wire from the big terminal with the red wire on the starter
85 Ground (body of the van or so a bolt on the transmission)
86 The Red / Black wire that used to trigger the solenoid
87 This goes to the solenoid trigger where the Red / Black wire USED to go.
That's about it - try this before running out and purchasing a new starter -
a good $10 solution - make sure you get a waterproof relay though! :)
David Marshall
Fast Forward Automotive Inc.
4356 Quesnel Hixon Road
Quesnel BC Canada V2J 6Z3
http://www.fastforward.ca mailto:sales@fastforward.ca
Phone: (250) 992 7775 FAX: (250) 992 1160
- Vanagon Accessories and Engine Conversions
- Vanagon, Transporter and Iltis Sales and Importation
- European Lighting for most Volkswagen models
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
Of Harold Jaynes
Sent: September 11, 2002 4:05 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: 84 Vanagon Starter problem
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
