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Date:         Sun, 26 Jan 2003 23:01:36 -0800
Reply-To:     David Marshall <vanagon@VOLKSWAGEN.ORG>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         David Marshall <vanagon@VOLKSWAGEN.ORG>
Subject:      Re: Starter not working - problem solved
Comments: To: Todd Last <Rubatoguy@MINDSPRING.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <3E34D342.2010002@mindspring.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Todd I just fixed my intermittent starter today too... actually it was a NEW (rebuilt) starter that was installed about 3 months ago. The problem wasn't solenoid. So many times I have seen starters replaced only to fail again. The problem is the trigger wire for the starter - it gets corroded and it can't carry much current - it does take a bit of current to trigger the solenoid.

My solution is simple. I get a 30A relay and use that to trigger the starter. The red/black line to the starter goes to terminal 86, terminal 85 goes to ground, 87 goes to the starter solenoid and 30 goes to the alternator. I fasten the relay on the front fire wall.

If the starter starts to fail on you - or fails to start - try this - a simple 10 minute job - 30 minutes on a #^%@#^ Syncro with the fuel tank in the way!

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 Todd Last Sent: January 26, 2003 10:36 PM To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM Subject: Starter not working - problem solved

For those following my previous post regarding an intermittent starter, I was able to fix the problem.

What I ended up doing was removing the starter, taking the solinoid apart and cleaning the solenoid. I also polished the solenoid plunger (I could see some wear marks on it) then put a very light coat of dielectric grease on it and reassembled it. I also wire brushed the starter terminals and lightly sanded them and also applied dielectric grease on the terminals and reassembled the starter.

Since I've done this, the starter works perfectly. I don't know how long this fix will work, but the price was right.

Todd '88 Westy


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