Date:         Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:14:25 -0800
Reply-To:     BenT Syncro <syncro@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         BenT Syncro <syncro@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: need help with starter problem, 1990 Vanagon GL, 4spd 2.1L
Comments: To: "mtbdavid2@AOL.COM" <mtbdavid2@AOL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <1d2fd.268d49e3.38880655@aol.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed; delsp=yes

On Jan 19, 2010, at 11:10 PM, David Cohen <mtbdavid2@AOL.COM> wrote:

> Hi,
>  Ok, next issue to tackle.  The van was running just fine after
> replacing
> the alternator and battery.  I went to start up the van this
> evening and
> nothing, not even a click.  The headlights and heater blower  and
> everything
> else works and there is 12.6 volts on my battery.  I tried  jump
> starting it
> off my other car just to make sure the battery wasn't low and  the
> starter
> wouldn't even click.  Its been raining heavy here, could the
> starter wires
> have gotten wet, come off or the starter or solenoid froze  up?  Any
> way to
> test any of my guesses or should I just get it towed to the  shop?
> I am not
> even sure how to get to the starter and solenoid.   Does the van
> need to be
> lifted and reach it from underneath?
>
> Thanks as always,
> David

Sounds like a stuck solenoid. Try whacking the starter with a long
heavy stick via engine compartment. You should be able to sort of see
the assembly on the passenger side of the bellhousing.

I don't want to advocate push starting the van to make sure everything
else is good given the weakened state of your tranny.


BenT