Date: Sun, 11 Nov 2012 20:20:48 -0600
Reply-To: Larry Alofs <lalofs@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Larry Alofs <lalofs@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: won't start
In-Reply-To: <20121111190034.X65ZZ.124883.imail@eastrmwml205>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Sounds like the classic "hard start" problem. Cause may be any combination
of:
ignition switch contacts poor
solenoid gummed up
poor contact in the circuit somewhere
poor contact within the starter providing poor ground for solenoid
Possible solutions:
new switch
clean, lube solenoid
check, improve connections
install "hard start" relay kit
have starter rebuilt
I have had good results with a relay on three different type twos.
Temporary solutions:
With a MT you can park on a hill or have everyone help push.
One person turns the key while another whacks the starter with a hammer
or with a broomstick inserted thru the rear wheelwell.
Good luck,
Larry A.
On Sun, Nov 11, 2012 at 6:00 PM, Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@cox.net> wrote:
> My 1991 Volkswagen Vanagon GL Campmobile with stock 2.1 liter engine and
> manual transmission has quit. This morning I was at a remote location in
> the Oklahoma Ozarks. I got everything packed up and ready to roll (in a
> driving rain, no less), but when I hit the ignition switch, all I got was
> the proper blinking lights and silence, a behavior I have never, never
> experienced with this beast. Not a buzz, not a click, but silence. I
> switched off and on several times, and released and depressed the clutch
> several times, and bingo -- engine turned over and the vehicle started. I
> had to buy gasoline after a drive of 50 miles or so, and the same thing
> happened. Then I drove home, parked in my driveway, and shut off the
> engine. This time no go when I tried to start it again. The same exact
> silence as before, except this time I could not find a "sweet spot" that
> would get the engine to turn over.
>
> It seemed to me as if there was no current to the starter. At this point,
> I have not explored anything, as I was pretty tired when I got here.
> Tomorrow, I'll see what gives. But, I'm asking first, where to start.
> Switch on the clutch pedal, ignition switch, wire to the starter? The
> thing ran fine all the way home in the pouring rain, lights on, everything
> seemingly normal, so I don't really suspect the battery or the charging
> system. It's almost as if something is loose, but what are the best
> candidates?
>
> Thanks, mcneely
>
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