Date:         Mon, 31 May 2004 10:22:55 +0100
Reply-To:     Anthony Polson <acpolson@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Anthony Polson <acpolson@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: 91 Vanagon will not start..?
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed

Hi Shannon,

I think you have a cliassic case of corroded Vanagon ground strap connection
syndrome <g>.

There are two straps that need checking, and it is best to remove them both,
clean them and re-fit them.  I am 90% sure this action will solve your
problem.

The first strap is from your battery's negative (-) terminal to the body.
Remove the bolt securing the strap to the body (13mm wrench).  Clean the
terminal (the fitting at the end of the strap) with a file or a coarse
abrasive paper.  Clean any corrosion (rust) from the area of bodywork that
the strap attaches to.  Clean any corrosion from the bolt, or replace it
with a new one.  A new washer would be good, too.  Finally, coat the end of
the strap and surrounding bodywork with petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to
prevent further corrosion.

Re-fit the strap, bolt and washer.  Try starting the engine.  If it works
fine, you may not need to follow the next part of my reply.

If the starter is still slow, the likely culprit is the ground strap at the
front of the gearbox.  For the avoidance of doubt, this is at the end of the
gearbox nearest the front of the vehicle.  It resembles your battery ground
strap except that both ends accept bolts.

Remove the strap.  This involves getting right under the centre of your
Vanagon, so make sure the parking brake is on and that you have selected
first or reverse gear (manual shift transmission) or park (auto
transmission).  Clean any corroison from the terminals and the mating
surfaces on the bodywork (main chassis rail) and gearbox.  Clean or
preferably replace the bolts and washers.  Refit the strap.  Coat ends and
surrounding areas with Vaseline or copper-based grease.  Job done.

Your Vanagon's engine should now spin rapidly when you operate the starter.
I have heard it said that 90% of Vanagon starter motor problems can be cured
this way.

Good luck!

Tony


>From: "Shannon Mitchell" <vanagonman@EARTHLINK.NET>
>To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
>Sent: Sunday, May 30, 2004 11:52 AM
>Subject: 91 Vanagon will not start..?
>
>
> > I have a 91 Vanagon that I can't seem to get to start with out jumping
>it..
> > I went out and got a new battery and the battery and the same thing
> > happened.. so I took the battery back and they gave me another one and
>still
> > nothing.. the battery tests fine.. when I turn the key it acts like
>there
>is
> > a dead battery but there isn't.. it turns over REAL SLOW and nothing..
>but
> > if I jump it with another vehicle she will start right up..
> >
> > Any thoughts?
> >
> > Thanks in Advance..
> >
> > Shannon
> > 91 Vanagon