Date:         Mon, 23 Aug 2010 10:09:54 -0400
Reply-To:     "Jack R." <jack007@COMCAST.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "Jack R." <jack007@COMCAST.NET>
Subject:      Starter doesn't turn after replacing weak battery
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

My 84 Westy with a 2.1L wouldn't start due to a run-down battery.  I charged
it, and started fine.  I made the dream cruise and all was well.

That was, until I went to leave and when I turned the key, it started to
engage but appeared to be too run down to start again.

So two guys gave me a push, and I popped the clutch and I was off.  Put a
charger back on the battery when I got home, and once it showed fully
charged, turned the key and nothing.

I looked at the date on my battery, and seeing it was 11 years old, I
thought "dead cells", so I purchased a new Group 41 Battery from Wally World
for $67 (made by Johnson Controls).



I Installed the brand new battery and turned the key with nothing again!
Starter wouldn't turn!!



So, here are my questions.

1. could I have damaged something electronic by trying to turn it with a
weak battery?

2. what should I do first to diagnose the problem?

3. Is the starter not turning failure related in any way to the weak
battery?



Thanks for the help!



Jack R.

84 Westy Wolfie w/2.1L

N. of Detroit