Date:         Tue, 22 Nov 2011 09:53:36 -0800
Reply-To:     Al Knoll <anasasi@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Al Knoll <anasasi@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: GoWesty's Gear Reduction Starter
Comments: To: Karl Mullendore <tdiguru@westyventures.com>
In-Reply-To:  <vanagon%2011112122571190@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

Karl and All,

Perhaps I was misunderstood.  No 'bad press' or ad hominem attacks
intended.

Your adapter as I mentioned works fine after the fitting, some of which you
note on your website.  No complaints.

I have an SVX installation, the reason to try the TDI starter of course.

Two starters failed, neither failure was related to the adapter or the
installation near as I can tell in retrospect.  Both were BOSCH TDI
starters as recommended by you personally so I have no beef with your
guidance or your products.

BOSCH manufacturing and quality control is another story, well told in my
previous note.

>>

As to any all all 'bad press' I've read in this thread: 1) BenT - get off
your duff and either send this adaptor back for examination, or track down a
real TDI starter (unless you have verified the one you have is in fact a TDI
starter, by the Bosch number stamped on it) 2) Al: there is only a tiny
relief that needs to be filed to clear the original VW upper starter
bolt-head, which should be a round socket-head bolt. There is not sufficient
room to allow for a full size nut on a stud, which is likely what you
attempted - resulting in lots of grinding. On the automatic version adaptor,
I have been able to recess the hole so that either the original upper bolt
or a stud w/nut can be used. Also, perhaps the starters you received were
not well rebuilt, or some of the crap aftermarket copies that I've seen
disintegrate quickly.