The wire from the alternator to the starter does not carry any current at all during starting. The current travels from the battery through the negative terminal to the chassis and from the starter to the battery through the cable from the starter back to the battery. A larger wire from the alternator to the battery cable connection on the starter will help the battery charge faster and help get more power up front especially if you also upgrade the path from the battery to the fuse box. Note that the 2.1L Vanagon received both a larger battery cable and a stronger starter. I have found that a lot of rebuilt starters including Bosch do not turn as fast as they should. I have had some good results with NAPA except the battery stud is often too short. Its sort of a crap shot with the rebuilds. I just keep bringing them back until I get one that works right. Dennis
-----Original Message----- From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Chris S. Sent: Friday, April 13, 2012 5:33 PM To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM Subject: Re: Slow turnover when starting. I have been in the same boat for the last 8 years with my 84 Westy. I cleaned all grounds, battery cables and so on, with no effect. At this point I am ready to install a second power cable from alternator to starter solenoid hoping it will give more current. Chris. Wysłane z iPhone'a Dnia Apr 13, 2012 o godz. 16:44 Ken Olsen <648.ken@GMAIL.COM> napisał(a): > I'm pretty baffled. My 85' Westfalia waterboxer has been turning over > slowly since I bought it several years ago, but it has finally got to > the point of stranding me. It is behaving like a low battery, but I > think I have ruled that out. > > Symptoms: > Turns over very slowly, sometimes stopping (or catching?) Runs fine > when started. > Battery voltage looks good. Jumping doesn't help. > Voltage at starter matches battery. > Turns over slowly with: > - spark plugs removed. > - fresh battery jumpered directly to starter. > - WITH NEW STARTER INSTALLED! > > What am I missing? > > Thanks, > > Ken in Oregon. |
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