Date:         Mon, 12 Nov 2012 20:13:57 -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
Comments: To: mcneely4@cox.net
In-Reply-To:  <20121112204324.DLYQZ.138298.imail@eastrmwml213>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

I added relays for all three.  The '76 was fine after that.  On the '80, I
first tried changing the solenoid and it was better for a while but the
problem came back.  It was also OK after relay installation.  For the '84,
the relay solved the problem for about a year, but then the starter got bad
enough that it needed a rebuild, after that things were fine.
  Perhaps if we had the time an inclination and installed relays ahead of
time, the overloading and deterioration of the contacts in the ignition
switch could be prevented.
  I'm not certain, but I believe that VW began doing this in the EV.

Larry A.


On Mon, Nov 12, 2012 at 7:43 PM, <mcneely4@cox.net> wrote:

> So Larry, was your problem with the solenoid in those cases?  thanks, David
>
> ---- Larry Alofs <lalofs@gmail.com> wrote:
> > Dave,
> >   I have this problem with 3 different vans, a '76 bus and '80 and '84
> > vanagons.
> > In all cases the problem first appeared at the beginning of long trips
> > after driving for 2 hours or so.  It often disappeared with more typical
> > day to day short trips.
> >
> > Larry A.
> >
> >
> >
> > On Mon, Nov 12, 2012 at 6:29 PM, Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@cox.net> wrote:
> >
> > > Well, my bad regarding the clutch having a switch.  Sorry for the
> > > ignorance.
> > >
> > > An update, for what it's worth.  I have not really gotten into the
> > > situation much.  Today, I cannot duplicate the problem (sounds like
> > > something from a dealer regarding a vehicle under warranty).  When I
> went
> > > out this morning, ambient temperature 24 F, started right up, just like
> > > always.  I drove it till it warmed to normal running temperature, shut
> it
> > > down, and it restarted fine, no evidence of a malfunction.  I repeated
> that
> > > several times, then let it sit until cold.  It started fine.  So, maybe
> > > that suggests where to start a bit more?  Still likely the ignition
> switch?
> > >  Or the solenoid?  Or just a loose wire?
> > >
> > > Thanks to all who responded already, and I'll get more into the matter
> > > tomorrow.  Today I had to deal with a two year old furnace that
> decided it
> > > didn't want to work.  But that is working now.  So maybe tomorrow more
> time
> > > on the beast.
> > >
> > > mcneely
> > >
> > > ---- Scott Daniel - Turbovans <scottdaniel@turbovans.com> wrote:
> > > > HI Dave,
> > > > one place to start is ..
> > > > there is no switch on the clutch pedal..
> > > > AND ..
> > > > I do not recommned starting manual trans Vanagons with the clutch
> pedal
> > > > pushed down..
> > > > it just adds stress to things.
> > > >   Start clutch-up-in-neutral, unless it's like 10 below zero ..
> > > > in which case one might hold the clutch down to eleminiate gear oil
> drag
> > > > in the starting process.
> > > >
> > > > I always just whip out my Remote Starter Switch ...
> > > > connect it to the trigger temrinal on the starter  ----  or my
> cheater
> > > > wire in the engine compartment..
> > > > if you arrange that right, it can reach the alternator main post, so
> you
> > > > have your own self-rescue alternatrive circuit to energize the
> starter.
> > > >
> > > > plus ..that bypasses the ign sw and all the wires going from rear to
> > > > front in the van.
> > > >
> > > > the easiest first thing for you to is pop on another ign swtich as a
> > > > simple test.
> > > > eyeball the starter itself ..in case it looks ancient.
> > > >
> > > > check your trans ground strap and batter post connectionsof course.
> > > >
> > > > scott
> > > > www.turbovans.com
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > On 11/11/2012 4:00 PM, Dave Mcneely 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
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > --
> > > David McNeely
> > >
>
> --
> David McNeely
>