Date:         Sun, 12 Mar 2006 10:01:29 -0600
Reply-To:     Larry Alofs <lalofs@RCN.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Larry Alofs <lalofs@RCN.COM>
Subject:      Re: 1985 Vanagon 1.9l gas - starter type ?
Comments: To: AAG - Larry Word <word_aag@COMCAST.NET>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed

Things to try:
  Use a jumper cable or other thick conductive object to connect the two
large posts on the solenoid  ( starter should spin, but not engage the
engine)
  Remove the push-on connector(s) at the solenoid and jumper from the
large positive terminal that comes from the battery (starter should
crank the engine)
During the above tests we are assuming that there is a good connection
at the battery terminals so that something like 12V is delivered to the
starter under load.

Try whacking the starter with a small hammer or piece of 2 X 4 while
someone holds the ignition in the start position.  If it goes, look in
the list archives for: hard start relay.
  If you can check the voltage at the push-on terminal on the solenoid
with it connected while you try to start the van, you may find that the
voltage is only around 8V.  This marginal level is often too low to
operate the solenoid and can be improved by the use of the relay.

good luck, HTH
 Larry A.


AAG - Larry Word wrote:

>RE:  Trouble shooter "logic" - starters
>
>My daily driver quit on my recently.....battery "appears" good but nothing else is happening when I try
>to start her up?
>
>I have no manual and need to know where to start in my search for my 12V current to starter?
>Do I check for 12V at solenoid (after switch)?
>If 12N is there but still nothing, do you replace just solenoid or both starter & solenoid?
>
>Thanks for info. to get me started on this new task....
>
>Larry
>Georgia
>
>
>