Date:         Thu, 18 Aug 2005 08:31:30 -0400
Reply-To:     Wil Haslup <wil@CHARMFX.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Wil Haslup <wil@CHARMFX.COM>
Subject:      Re: Rust repair? and starter replacement
In-Reply-To:  <000601c5a3ae$d64b8e40$b2f14346@certifieddata>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

Ed Wiebe wrote:
> I've been a Westy owner now for two and a half years. We, Alice and I really enjoy it, and have learned a lot on this list.
> My question is, what should be done to stop rust from invading the van  again after a Por15 job and paint job. If you go to the following site the pictures show the area that had the most rust. http://www.flickr.com/photos/ewiebe/4182626/in/set-774644/
> Is it best to work on it now, or wait?
> On another note, the van left me stranded today in Duncan - no starter, battery was good. I got a towtruck to get me to Canadian Tire - they asked what year the van was (1990) and refused to even look at it. The tow then took me to a small place across town called "Very Wise Repairs" The fellow specializes in VWs.
> He took me in right away - tried a number of things, solenoid, brushes to no avail.
> He had a new Bosch starter available which he put in in half an hour.
> Starter $176.00, Half hour labour $35.98. With taxes, total$241.68.
> I would recommend this shop to anyone in the area.
>
> Ed Wiebe

I replaced my starter/solenoid shortly after I bought my '80.  I
replaced the ignition switch shortly after that.  Both because of no
start conditions.  That was 4-5 years ago.

Recently I had a few no starts in a row.  Deciding that a
start/solenoid/ign. switch should last longer than 4-5 years I
considered a few options.  I bought the Bosch starter relay kit and
installed it.

No problems since.  Sad but true...starter designs seem to demand better
grounds.


--

Wil


-- http://www.charmfx.com/

"Most people wouldn't know music if it came up and bit them on the ass."
-- Frank Zappa