Date:         Mon, 18 Nov 2002 22:06:50 -0500
Reply-To:     Stephen Steele <steeles@HORIZONVIEW.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Stephen Steele <steeles@HORIZONVIEW.NET>
Subject:      Re: Starter problems
Comments: To: Matt Heydon <matt@theheydons.com>
Content-type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

Matt, et al:
> I turn over the key and get a click or moan from the starter motor (BTW it's
> not the battery).
> Beyond looking at connections for corrosion, which I will do tonight, or
> replacing the starter altogether do I have any other options?
On the later model Vanagon it is possible to look down through the top
opening  (at least you can on the AT models) and see if the Bendix is
disengaging as it should.  It helps to have a flashlight and from the left
side of the engine look to the right behind the starter. That's how I did it
today on my '91 Caravelle.

> Bus Boys sell "replacement bushings" and also a "hard start relay kit" that
> sends power directly from battery to starter bypassing the ignition switch.
> Has anyone had experience trying one or both of the above?
IMHO... If money is not too tight , I would replace the whole starter with a
Bosch rebuilt.  The job is very doable without a lot of experience.
--
Stephen Steele*
Chillicothe OH
'91 Caravelle  "Hans"
'87 Westy      "Franz"
'84 Westfalia  "Fritz"  on loan to my nephew
'81 Diesel Rabbit "Ol' Yeller" by PO
'82 Caddy VW Diesel P.U.
'90 Jetta GL  17 yo Sons' "together" car
'74 MGB  My first car...yep, I've kept it since '74
'93 Chevy S-10
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