Date: Thu, 27 Oct 2005 10:34:45 -0500
Reply-To: Larry Alofs <lalofs@RCN.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Larry Alofs <lalofs@RCN.COM>
Subject: Re: Starter Sometimes Doesn't
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed
John,
I'm sure you've seen posts about the "hot start relay kit" as a remedy
for this problem.
If you have the usual "syndrome" the starter can be encouraged to crank
by hitting it with a hammer (or a broomstick inserted above the rear
wheel) while someone holds the key in the start position. The strange
thing about yours is that it happens when cold; usually the problem
occurs when the engine is very warm.
I would start by checking the voltage at the push-on terminal on the
solenoid when the key is in the start position and the starter is
refusing to go.
If this voltage is substantial (7 or 8 V maybe), but not what you would
hope for, the relay is probably the solution. If it is only a volt or
two, the contacts in the ignition switch are the main problem. If you
have an automatic, you should also check the switch near the shift lever.
It should be noted that since the ground path for the solenoid is thru
the main starter circuit, if the brushes and commutator are bad enough,
the relay will not provide a cure and a starter rebuild is in order.
Larry A.
relays installed on one bay and 3 vanagons
John Rodgers wrote:
> I'm beginning to have this kind of a problem. When I go to start in the
> morning, all the pwoer comes one, lights, fuels pump, everything. Turn
> the switch to start position........NOTHING. Try again......NOTHING.
> Third time .......maybe - maybe not, Fourth try it usually engages and
> starts immediately.
>
> I'm sure open for suggestions as to what this is and how to fix it.
>
> John Rodgers
> 88 GL Driver
>
> Kevin Gilbert wrote:
>
>> Dear Volks, oops, uh, Folks,
>>
>> Sometimes, unpredictably, the starter won't crank. The engine gets up to
>> normal operating temperature, I'll make a stop, then re-start. There
>> is a
>> long 1 or 2 -second delay with the key turned, then everything works.
>> It's
>> never stranded me, but it has worried some faint-hearted passengers.
>>
>> I have replaced the starter motor, and cleaned the related contacts.
>>
>> This is an '84 Westfalia with AT, 107K.
>>
>> Any simple (cheap) fixes?
>>
>> TIA,
>>
>> KGG
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
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