Date:         Thu, 6 Dec 2012 22:04:27 -0500
Reply-To:     David Clarkson <dvdclarksn@AOL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         David Clarkson <dvdclarksn@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Solenoid/starter problem or ignition switch
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed

I posted a problem recently of an intermittant problem of a very slow 
turning starter that I thought might be something in the starter that 
was ovaled out based  on a post from a while back. Something else 
happended recently that I thought might have been the solenoid/starter 
popping back out from the flywheel  where the starter did not disengage 
when starting until I revved the engine a bit. All was well for about a 
month of driving and then yesterday when I went to start the van the 
starter just kept spinning without turning the engine over. Moving the 
starter switch did not stop this and I had to scramble to disconnect 
the battery. Maybe something broke in the starter/solenoid assembly?  
Since the starter switch is as far as I know original and now has 
almost 300k on it I ordered one for under $7 from Busdepot just to rule 
that out. I am thinking that I will also take the starter/solenoid 
assembly out and use some heavy electrical grease to lubricate the 
moving parts. I did this on my wife's 98 Honda CRV when the starter 
wasn't disengaging and all has been well. I know a broken tooth on the 
flywheel is also a possibility but I have never turned the starter over 
inadvertantly while the engine was running so I hope that this isn't 
the case. I guess I'm looking at a shotgun approach and will look at 
the flywheel as it is positioned with the starter out to make sure that 
a broken tooth is not the problem. First thing that I will do is 
definitley the switch. Anyone have a similar situation and/or any ideas 
to streamline the diagnosis? Happy motoring and may you all have a safe 
and happy holiday season.

David Clarkson
90 Westy