Date:         Wed, 19 Feb 2003 17:28:56 EST
Reply-To:     Willolyn99@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Bill Marshall <Willolyn99@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: HELP! '81 cratered on the way to work this morning... UPDATE
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

OK, here's my 2 cents' worth.

If the ignition switch is sending power to the starter, then the solenoid
will be engaged and the starter motor will flip out and start spinning.  It
is the solenoid that sends the electricity thru to the starter motor and
moves it into position.  If I recall correctly, and I think I do, the
movement of the solenoid is what closes the contacts for the starter motor.
The motor itself is not connected to the ignition circuit.  The solenoid must
be activated and moved to close the switch for the starter motor.

Since I read that your starter motor is spinning, but not engaging (turning
over the engine), and disconnecting the ignition didn't help, we must assume
that the switch inside the solenoid is stuck closed.  Think about it -- the
solenoid is like a big relay for the starter motor (and also moves it).  The
juice for the starter motor comes straight from the battery, thru the switch
in the solenoid, and into the starter motor.  When the solenoid moves the
starter motor into position, it also closes a switch to get power to the
starter motor.  That switch is the culprit.

So, what to do about it?  First, the cheap & easy -- whack it firmly with a
board or a small hammer.  Try to dislodge whatever is sticking.  This may be
enough to get you home, but it is not a solution.  It may not work if the
switch is welded/melted.

Next, you can try to disassemble the starter when you get home and look for
anything burnt, bent, or busted.  You may find some dirt or a broken chunk of
something holding the contacts shut, or you may find a big ol' fried mess.
Try to fix it, or get a new solenoid.

If you don't want to do that, buy another starter.  Just be cautious when
installing it.

Either way, you have to snoop around and find out what caused this to happen.
 That way, you only have to buy one starter and not make the same mistake
again and again.  Also, you have to look around in your wiring and be a
little suspect of your battery.  You have just abused a lot of your
electrical system and it may need some repairing.

Bill Marshall
85 GL Tiico "Pandora's Box"
Aurora, IL