Is the starter the correct version. There is an early-late. The later has slightly more power.

Bad cables, excessive voltage drop under load is easily checked with a voltmeter. A current meter will also confirm the starter is working properly or if there is a mechanical issue. If you can't measure it you can't diagnose it.

When it does start is there any sign of something else wrong? Smoking, (fuel, water) getting into cylinder? Does it knock or ping under load, (over advanced ignition timing)?

Battery charge, condition?

Dennis

-----Original Message----- From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of C Snyder Sent: Sunday, May 01, 2011 1:25 AM To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM Subject: Starter One more time!!

I took my 1987 2-wd back to the shop yesterday for the same starter issues (ie won't crank the engine when the engine is warm) So, here is where is gets interesting lol

The mechanic that supposedly has worked on these VW buses for many years tells me it is still the fly wheel. He says it has warn a grove in the teeth after 20+ years. I do not agree but, he says he can fix it by reworking the starter by grinding away some of the casting so that it fits deeper in so it is away from the place it usually sits on the fly wheel teeth. Anyway, I call him to day and he says it didn't fix it. Surprise, surprise lol He said he added some more ground straps. One at the battery to the body and another at the neg post on the starter it self. He says that has hel[ped but it still is not cranking over the engine when it is hot. Does fine when it's cold.

I still say it is an electoral problem, a ground or something halving to do with wires for the starting system.

Any idears will sure help. I am wondering if it could be the positive cable at the battery however it is nice and clean. Maybe it is in bad shape under the van?? Could it also be the ign switch?

I need help!!!! Hope you all can lead me to a solution as it is getting nowhere on fixing my start problem. It is an automatic which even makes it worse if stranded.

The starter has been replaced twice and that made no deference. The mechanic says the wires are getting hot so it should have plenty of juice at the starter. Could a starter from a diesel automatic help here. Their is no reason for this problem. I never had a problem with this car until they replaced the old starter which died a month ago.

Thanks,

Chris