Date: Tue, 4 Dec 2007 17:11:32 -0500
Reply-To: Mike Collum <collum@VERIZON.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Mike Collum <collum@VERIZON.NET>
Subject: Re: So thar I was (Engine wouldn't start)
In-Reply-To: <00cd01c836bd$d7ff70e0$6401a8c0@TOSHIBALAP>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
In that I do all my work unassisted, I installed a permanent remote
starter switch in the engine bay of my '85 Westy. The regular
"Universal" starter switch cost me $2.50 at a FLAPS. I consider it one
of the best add ons that I have.
When doing compression tests, I don't have to disable the coil ... I
just don't turn on the key. I can also open the throttle from the
engine bay and hit the button.
It works like a "Hot start" relay ... only it's manual. It bypasses
that long wiring run from the front and, of course, doesn't use the
starter contacts in the ignition switch at all so a bad ignition switch
can be "gotten around" with it.
Should I encounter a "Crank but no start" situation, I can operate the
starter from the engine bay while checking for spark and such.
BTW ... ALWAYS make sure it's in neutral (or park or neutral if
automatic) before operating the switch!
The normal configuration only uses one of the two male spade terminals
on the solenoid (wire from ignition switch) so I ran one side of the
switch to the spare terminal. The other side of the switch goes to the
big terminal where the battery wires are attached. A really simple
installation.
Mike
Houlton, Maine
Scott Daniel - Shazam wrote:
> Nice story.
> I've said this about a hundred times, and I'll just keep saying it - never
> go anywhere without a remote starter switch. It's a fantastically useful
> tool, both for cranking the engine by yourself when you are by the engine,
> and for diagnostic purposes. Can't say it enough.
> The cost benefit ratio, considering the size of the tool, what they cost,
> and what they can do, like rescue your butt, or help you work on the van by
> yourself is about 5,000 to one.
> I'd rather go without a spare tire than not have this simple tool always
> with me, they are that useful. I'd rather carry one of these than a fire
> extinguisher almost, if I had to choose.
> Not having one of these in your bag of tricks or tool box or spare parts
> stash would be like not having a flashlight or head lamp along. I think
> I've made my point. I hope it has some impact.
> Scott
> www.turbovans.com
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> Jake de Villiers
> Sent: Tuesday, December 04, 2007 8:49 AM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: So thar I was (Engine wouldn't start)
>
> If it was moisture, take along a can of WD-40 - Water Displacement is what
> it does best.
>
> Some more description of the engine's behaviour when it did finally start
> might be helpful....
>
>
> On Dec 4, 2007 8:29 AM, Michael Elliott <camping.elliott@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> All adventure tales should start with, "So thar I was . . ." This alerts
>> the listener that some old codger is about to embark on a long, rambling,
>> and ultimately pointless tale.
>>
>> This alerted, the smart listener knows that it time to leave the room,
>> mumbling some excuse about needing to check the mail or get a lung
>> removed.
>>
>> But anyways.
>>
>> So thar I was last Friday, camping at 6,000 feet in the mountains east of
>> San Diego. We were having a record storm: 40 mph winds, several inches of
>> rain, and lows in the middle 30's (F). By many standards, that ain't much
>> of a storm, but around here it's notable.
>>
>> Mellow Yellow was parked broadside to the wind and while the gusts shook
>> the van, the poptop showed no sign of stress. However, the force of the
>> wind pushed water right through the fabric on the weather side. Things got
>> a little damp in the spice rack.
>>
>> The rain blew horizontally. All day and all night.
>>
>> In the morning, the rain had stopped, but the wind continued. Easily
>> Beaufort 7 (moderate gale). I packed up and went to start the engine, but
>> it didn't want to cooperate.
>>
>> Cranked and cranked and cranked. But there was no indication of
>> combustion. I paused, thinking, "I don't want to have to call for help! I
>> just want to go home to Mrs Squirrel."
>>
>> After waiting a bit, I tried again -- lots of cranking, and after a bit
>> the engine caught -- grudgingly, it seemed -- and shortly thereafter I was
>> on my way home.
>>
>> Here's the thing: I am scheduled to go up that mountain every month and
>> spend a couple of nights. December, January, and February. If the engine
>> didn't want to start this last time, I worry that it might be worse next
>> time. it might not start at all.
>>
>> I don't know what the problem was. There was gear covering the engine
>> hatch, my fingers were cold, and I didn't have an assistant to crank the
>> engine while I checked for spark or other stuff (actually, checking for
>> spark is about the limit of my skills, anyway).
>>
>> Cold, altitude -- those both cold affect starting, I reckon. I wonder also
>> whether a full day and night of sideways horizontal rain might have gotten
>> the ignition parts wet. I don't have enough information to hazard a guess.
>>
>> So my question is: if you had just had this experience, what would you
>> have done? What might you bring along the next time to help get the darn
>> engine started, in the snow or rain, with no one to assist?
>>
>> --
>> 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
>>
>
>
>
> --
> Jake
> 1984 Vanagon GL
> 1986 Westy Weekender "Dixie"
> Crescent Beach, BC
> www.crescentbeachguitar.com
> http://subyjake.googlepages.com/
>
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