Date: Thu, 26 Nov 2009 10:57:08 -0800
Reply-To: Al Knoll <anasasi@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Al Knoll <anasasi@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Syncro Starter R&R on vacation? A Poll
In-Reply-To: <48bd05410911251801k3d4a86efsf083d5830d8cb623@mail.gmail.com>
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If it is a standard Bosch starter, you can do a bit of a check by having
someone attempt to start while you listen intently. You should hear a click
when the starter relay (often called a solenoid) closes. If no, click, then
likely it's elsewhere. If you remove the lower cover on the steering
assembly. Two recessed posi/phillips screws you will be able to see the
backside of the ignition switch assembly. Two fat wires (red black) I think
carry the starter engagement current back to the starter. Check that when
you try to start, the voltage on the outgoing wire goes to 12V or so. If
not, using jumper wire (unfolded metal paperclip) you can jump the two
together momentarily. The clip will get pretty warm pretty fast so be
advised. Now if the starter spins it's in the switch.
You get the drift on troubleshooting the system one link at a time. Use the
bently current diagram for your particular year of van.
If you have a voltmeter, you can measure voltages along the path. If you
have a remote starter switch you can hook it up directly to the starter and
apply 12V directly to the 'solenoid'.
Stuff to carry if you don't already. A digital voltmeter or and analog
(d'arsonval) VOM. Jumpers with alligator clips (insulated), 12 test
light, Lots of extra fuses, and Sir Bently, I carry a remote starter
switch for various applications.
As a last resort, you could use the rock and stick method. Slip a stout
cudgel down beside the motor so it rests on the starter housing. Deal a
smart thwack using a rock of your choice, then attempt the start again.
If you have a security sytem that disables the starter, it likely has a
relay and these do fail in odd and mysteriously random ways. Find that
relay, likely under the dash where the fat red/blacks are and note pins in
and pins out through which the red/black starter current flows. Jumper that
relay. Then retry.
NB. most of this can be done without immersing your holiday finery in the
mud and slush under the van in perhaps an unneccesary attempt to replace the
starter.
Pensionerd.
On Wed, Nov 25, 2009 at 6:01 PM, Brendan Slevin <totorovan@gmail.com> wrote:
> Well, the syncro decided that our trip from Bend,Oregon to Portland and the
> on to Astoria was a great time to stop starting. I will check the
> connections and such, but would like to poll the lists thoughts about
> swapping a starter on a syncro with limited tools and no garage. The 2wd
> would've been no problem,but I don't know if the syncro is harder. I do
> have my Bentley and it says to take out the diff lock actuator and take the
> axle off the trans.
>
> Brendan
>