Date:         Wed, 31 Jan 2007 07:20:28 -0800
Reply-To:     Michael Elliott <camping.elliott@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Michael Elliott <camping.elliott@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Starter Behavior
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Mellow Yellow's starter behavior is a bit odd -- I think. When the
engine (1.9L)  is cold, by which I mean "Southern California cold,"
e.g., in the 40's or 50's F, the starter doesn't just spin up, but has a
curious hesitation.

It goes like this: turn key, the starter engages and I hear the usual
"gar-um" sound of the engine's flywheel being turned -- once, probably
not even a full revolution. Then the starter hits resistance and
hesitates - as if it was surprised by how hard the engine is to turn.
Compression? It sounds like it comes to a full stop for a brief second.
Then the starter overcomes the engine's resistance and spins it up and
the engine starts just fine.

It's been like this since I got Mellow Yellow. The engine always starts,
but that brief pause is a puzzle. I have no idea if this is some quirk
of 1.9L engines, some quirk of Mellow Yellow, or normal behavior.

Mike "Rocket J Squirrel" Elliott
71 Type 2: the Wonderbus
84 Westfalia: Mellow Yellow ("The Electrical Banana")
74 Utility Trailer. Ladybug Trailer, Inc., San Juan Capistrano
KG6RCR