Date:         Fri, 6 Apr 2007 19:39:01 -0400
Reply-To:     Mike Collum <collum@VERIZON.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mike Collum <collum@VERIZON.NET>
Subject:      Re: turn key, wait for turn-over
Comments: To: Gregor Brandt <gbrandt@MARIONETTE.CA>
In-Reply-To:  <61999.70.72.128.74.1175901642.squirrel@s0106000d93648bd0.wp.shawcable.net>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

I once had that exact same problem.  My cure was in cleaning everything
remotely related that was electrical.  I even replaced the female spade
connector that's on the wire from the ignition switch to the starter
solenoid ... after cleaning the male connector to shiny bright.

1.  Clean the above mentioned connectors.

2.  Remove and clean the battery post connectors (leave the ground
disconnected).

3.  Remove and clean the connectors for the wires from the battery to
the starter.

4.  Remove and clean the mating surfaces (both on the cable and the van)
where the ground cable connects from the frame to the forward
transmission mount.

Clean means clean ... shiny bright.

You could even try adding a ground strap from the lower starter bolt to
the frame but I didn't have to.  I've had no hesitation for 4 years now
but I do keep all those connectors bright.

Now, that said ... it's possible that you have a sticky starter solenoid
but try the cleaning thing first.

Mike



Gregor Brandt wrote:
> '86 Westy
>
> Occasionally, especially when is cold outside, I turn the key on the van
> and have to wait for it to start turning over. From 1 to 10
> seconds....very scary.  I went to my local shop and they said it was the
> lower ignition switch, very common, 9 dollar part, 1 hour labour!   NExt
> day....same thing.  Does anybody have any ideas? Is the starter going?
> The battery is new.
>
> Thanks
> Gregor
>