Date:         Tue, 8 Dec 2015 18:07:21 -0800
Reply-To:     Jeff Schwaia <vw.doka@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jeff Schwaia <vw.doka@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Vanagon Starter relay kit
Comments: To: vw_van_fan_Mark <madvws@cox.net>
In-Reply-To:  <56678417.2060405@cox.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"

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
>
>
>