Date:         Thu, 10 Jun 2004 09:39:41 -0400
Reply-To:     Daniel Stevens <dosteven@SYR.EDU>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Daniel Stevens <dosteven@SYR.EDU>
Subject:      hot starter isues
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII

ok heres the beginning. I have a newly acquired 1980 AC vanagon. 

now that it's finally getting close to summer here in upstate NY I have the "hot start syndrome'

ok NO PROBLEM, i have the wonderful article/diagram from http://www.oldvolkshome.com/
Article: http://www.oldvolkshome.com/hardstart.pdf

anyways. I can hear my relay clicking but the starter don't give a hoot.. 
on the topic of relays.. I used a used off the shelf fog lamp relay.. 
but I was wondering on the use of lawn tractor starter relays? Ford style automotive solenoid (or would have similiar current issue as the stock solenoid?

now is it a lack of voltage/amperage on the positive battery cable connection to the starter? it is a LONG cable from battery to starter.
is it a iffy braided wire from the solenoid into the starter body? (looked suspect)
is it a old tired starter windings that don't like the heat?
or my ign circuit wire+connector that was tough to disconnect and rusty ( i attempted to  clean with a swab of acid base cleaner)

to complicate the heat issue, the passanger side heat duct from the 'by-pass valve??' is disconnected letting the HOT heat air out in the area over the tranny
but that shouldn't be a problem while tooling down the road??  as there'd be a lot of air current to dissapate that hot air?

in all because it's a heavy vehicle to push start and I would like to take it on trips farther then my AAA will get me home on. 
It looks like it'll be getting a NEW starter. and use the old one in my engine stand. 

thanks for listening to me think outloud. 

Dan Stevens
1976 baja 2.0L 
1980 AC vanagon ASI riveria