Date:         Fri, 16 Dec 2005 00:08:08 -0500
Reply-To:     The Bus Depot <vanagon@BUSDEPOT.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         The Bus Depot <vanagon@BUSDEPOT.COM>
Subject:      Re: Could hot starting problems be caused by a defective ignition
              swich?
Comments: cc: George Averill <averill@MCHSI.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <001301c601fa$b399f120$6501a8c0@mchsi.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

> I have been trying to solve the problem where my 84 Vanagon 
> doesn't want to start after several stops.  I assumed that 
> this was a hot start problem, and have replaced most 
> everything that might cause the problem, coil, temp sender, 
> fuel pressure regulator, air box, idle stabilizer. 


If it were the most common hot-start problem, the most likely culprit would
be the starter (or more specifically the starter solenoid), or its
associated wiring. Yet you don't mention the starter, solenoid, or
associated wiring among the items you replaced. In this scenario, the
solenoid would tend to stick because the heat from the engine caused the
sleeve around it to contract, requiring more current to kick it when the
engine is hot than when it's cold.  You could try to whack the solenoid
firmly with a hammer when it happens next time (make sure the van is out of
gear!). This sometimes frees up a stuck solenoid, and if it works it's a
sure sign that your solenoid is shot (or the wiring to it is tenuous so it
is not getting enough current or a good ground). Or check all the wiring,
check voltage under load (again, be sure it's not in gear!) and ground at
the starter, or replace the starter or solenoid. We also sell an inexpensive
relay kit, part # WR1, which can often solve this symptom in a different
manner; it shortens the signal path by providing a direct feed from battery
to starter (using the ignition switch merely as a trigger, rather than
sending the starter's entire current through it). 

But then again, a bad solenoid would normally be consistent with the starter
kicking _after_ you release the ignition key (at which time it should not be
receiving any juice), as you say yours sometimes does. 

- Ron Salmon
  The Bus Depot, Inc.
  www.busdepot.com
  (215)  234-VWVW

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