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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