Date:         Mon, 19 Apr 2004 09:30:19 -0700
Reply-To:     mark drillock <drillock@EARTHLINK.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         mark drillock <drillock@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject:      Re: Starter problem
Comments: To: George Thorburn <thorgk@ACCESSCOMM.CA>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

There is a known problem using the Bosch WR-1 relay in a Westy that has
either a factory fridge relay or factory aux battery relay. These
factory Westy relays are wired to ground through the starter motor coil.
When you install the WR-1 type relay it becomes the ground path for the
Westy relay and that is a problem. You must unhook one wire from the
factory Westy relay and ground that leg of the Westy relay instead. I
have written this here numerous times. It is a simple fix that I have
done to a bunch of Westys that wanted the WR-1 relay added. If you don't
do this, the starter will re-engage whenever the alternator warning led
turns off after the engine starts. Starter and/or flywheel damage will
occur.

More details later if you wish, or check the archives for my prior
writtings on this.

Mark

George Thorburn wrote:
>
> Hi List,
> Last summer I was having the classic hot start problem, after a long run the starter would just click until it had a chance to cool down then it would work fine.  I installed a re-manufactured Bosch starter and a new bushing and everything seemed fine.  (the van was stored for the winter)  Now I have the van back on the road and I am having a similar problem.  After even a short highway run the starter will not work, the difference is that you can hear it start to work but it will not turn the motor enough to start, it sounds like the battery is dead but it is not.
> Something related is a problem with the Bosch WR-1 relay I installed last summer.  If the relay is hooked up the starter works great but will not disengage when I let go of the key.  When the relay is not hooked up then the starter works fine if it is cool.
> Any suggestions.
> Thanks,
> George
> '85 Westfalia