Date:         Thu, 24 Feb 2005 12:59:44 -0800
Reply-To:     Jim Thompson <jim@KARMANNGHIA.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jim Thompson <jim@KARMANNGHIA.COM>
Subject:      Re: Weak Starting
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
              reply-type=response

And once you've checked all those items out, check the Ground Strap running
from the Trans Nosecone to the Chassis/Frame.  If it's old, crusty, rusty or
otherwise corroded you can bet the Transmission Housing which the Starter
grounds through isn't getting a good enough grounding circuit.  In the
almost 30 years I've been asked for a starter to correct these and similar
startting symptoms, more often than not, it turned out to be a dirty or just
bad Tranny Groundstrap.  Lost several sales on a starter, but usually the
customer was so happy at saving $$ by actually fixing the problem, they
usually came back to spend $$ on something they really needed.

Jim Thompson
84 Westfalia 2.1 "Ole Putt"
oldvolkshome@gmail.com
jim@karmannghia.com
http://www.oldvolkshome.com
***********************
----- Original Message -----
From: "Kim Brennan" <kimbrennan@MAC.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Thursday, February 24, 2005 12:10 PM
Subject: Re: Weak Starting


> Cables from the battery. The ground strap is easy enough to replace as
> it right there in the battery compartment. The positive cable, however
> is a bit more of an issue. If it is corroded on either end, it could be
> causing higher resistance (and hence less amps at the starter). A cold
> engine usually requires a little more coaxing to get initially started.
> The battery being cold also means it has a bit less power. Once the
> engine is running, the battery gets charged, which in turn heats up the
> battery, increasing it's capacity.
>
>
> On Feb 24, 2005, at 2:52 PM, Michael Knight wrote:
>
>>
>> I have not checked the connections at the starter yet but intend to
>> pull
>> them and clean all the contacts.
>>
>> But while I am at it what else should I/could I check?