Date: Tue, 8 Dec 2015 20:46:34 -0800
Reply-To: Raymond Markett <raym02@YAHOO.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Raymond Markett <raym02@YAHOO.COM>
Subject: Re: Vanagon Starter relay kit
In-Reply-To: <CA+r=JhpZ4sLj6L-HD_yT9N-gZdzBkFZ9J-OeMbLi_-FHS7yiwQ@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Adding a relay sounds like a proactive modification that protects the ignition switch.
Sent from my iPhone
> On Dec 8, 2015, at 6:49 PM, Larry Alofs <lalofs@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
>
> 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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