Date: Tue, 8 Dec 2015 21:49:03 -0500
Reply-To: Larry Alofs <lalofs@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Larry Alofs <lalofs@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Vanagon Starter relay kit
In-Reply-To: <012201d13226$573915c0$05ab4140$@gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
I tend to think of a starter relay as an upgrade rather than a fix. True,
it can make a starter work when it has become unreliable for whatever
reason, maybe for a while, maybe forever. However installing a relay
proactively, before a problem arises, may preserve that good ignition
switch. An inductive load, drawing substantial current is hard on those
contacts in the switch. I may be wrong, but I have the impression that
most car manufacturers now use starter relays, including VW, post T3.
Larry A.
On Tue, Dec 8, 2015 at 9:07 PM, Jeff Schwaia <vw.doka@gmail.com> wrote:
> Actually, for the starter to operate properly, that is a pretty complete
> list... power, ground, and the bushing to support the starter motor. I
> guess you could add the starter motor itself to the list. But if that's
> your problem, it's foolish not to replace.
>
> I can understand using a "fix" when in a pinch, but I prefer to fix it
> properly when possible. That "fix" will eventually not work, especially if
> the problem in the bushing. Not fun when you're many miles from
> civilization.
>
> It's great that the "fix" is working for you, I prefer to fix things
> correctly. Just my opinion...
>
> Jeff
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: vw_van_fan_Mark [mailto:madvws@cox.net]
> Sent: Tuesday, December 08, 2015 5:30 PM
> To: Jeff Schwaia <vw.doka@GMAIL.COM>; vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Vanagon Starter relay kit
>
> You stated the 3 good things like it was the complete list and it isn't.
>
> Jay's kit is far from the kind of hack job you are talking about.
>
> Most people have to pay retail for Vanagon parts and $100 an hour for a
> shop replace them. If there is a $30 alternative to a $200 - $400 repair
> then 'bring it on' many of them would say. Not all VW owners have the money
> to spend for the "right" fix when a much cheaper alternative exists and may
> do the job for a long time, even forever.
>
> In my own case I put a relay kit in one of my Syncros when the starter
> began sometimes acting up. I think that was like 6 years ago. I can afford
> a starter any day but with a diff lock equipped Syncro I am happy to leave
> the still working starter alone. I don't have a shop and I have to lay on
> the ground under the van.
>
> Mark
>
>
> Jeff Schwaia wrote:
> > "almost true"... is that like "almost pregnant"??? ;-)
> >
> > I guess I'm a jaded VW mechanic. Back when I was a lad working at a VW
> shop in Leucadia (Harvey's Automotive), I saw way too many starter relay
> hack jobs that could've been avoided with a $1 starter bushing. Always
> considered it a lazy, hack-job work around.
> >
> > Do it once, do it right...
> >
> > Cheers,
> >
> > Jeff
> >
> >
> >
>
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