Date:         Sat, 23 Oct 2010 12:19:37 -0700
Reply-To:     Robert Fisher <garciasghostvw@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Robert Fisher <garciasghostvw@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Starter Gone?
In-Reply-To:  <AANLkTim4ZAYy4mM2V8HZECw=Lt5_c6+iX_DJe3LAy8gz@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

When I first went through this (slow starter eventually stopped altogether,
on my auto; I don't remember what you have) I pulled the starter and cleaned
it (externally); cleaned the ground strap and contact points on the
transmission and cleaned the wire ends going to the starter and the tabs to
which they connect.
I tried to open the starter so as to clean it internally and replace the
brushes al la Stan Wilder's instructions (in the archives) but I couldn't
get it apart and further surgery would've taken time I didn't have. It
worked pretty well after that regardless.
Later when I swapped transmissions I had the problem again with the "new"
starter, and doing all of the above didn't help much. I added the Ford-style
solenoid relay as described by Dennis Haynes and that has been working
since, tho I can tell that the starter is laboring somewhat (I also wound up
replacing a faulty ignition switch along the way). Now that I have a spare
one of the many things on my list 'o vanagon things is to get it open to do
the internal work, then swap it for the current unit and repeat the process.

AIUI, if you have a manual there is a bushing that might be bunged up that
could cause you issues, but I don't know anything about it as I have never
worked on one.

Cya,
Robert

On Sat, Oct 23, 2010 at 5:42 AM, Michael Sullivan <sandwichhead@gmail.com>wrote:

> Good morning Volks.  Tried to start the van after getting gas on Thurday
> nite and nothing.  I have a meter monitoring the batteries and I DO get a
> draw on the main battery when I turn the key, but no sound from the
> starter.  Not a click or anything.  Gave it a couple of whacks and still
> nothing.  I did notice the positive battery clamp was a little loose, but
> still nothing after tightening.  Recently (over the last 6 months) I have
> noticed a small hesitation when starting (felt like a weak starter)but
> worked every time.  I belieive I have a spare but wanted to ask the
> concensus of the group before gettting under there.  Main battery has about
> 13 at rest and down to 11.75 when I try to crank it.
> Will have the starter tested after I get it out. Thanks.
> Michael in San Antonio
> 91GL Weekender AT 2.1L 'Gringo'
>



--
Cya,
Robert

'87 & '86 Auto GLs