Date: Wed, 9 Dec 2015 21:14:24 -1000
Reply-To: "SDF ( aka ;jim lahey' - Scott )" <scottdaniel@TURBOVANS.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: "SDF ( aka ;jim lahey' - Scott )" <scottdaniel@TURBOVANS.COM>
Organization: Cosmic Reminders
Subject: Re: Vanagon Starter relay kit
In-Reply-To: <017f01d1322b$95bfc2d0$c13f4870$@t3technique.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed
a couple of statements in this are not quite true..
ie.
'the ignition switch has to carry all of the starting current to the
solenoid'
What is true .....the ignition switch has to carry all the solenoid
-triggering current to the starter solenoid , in the stock setup.
also ..
'the current path to the starter is shortened' ..
actually ..
the solenoid-triggering path the the solenoid is shortened.
the voltage that operates the starter motor still comes from the main
battery, the the path is the same as stock.
it is a good upgrade to reduce ignition switch
'start contacts' wear for sure.
On 12/8/2015 4:44 PM, T3 Technique wrote:
> Jeff, I completely agree with you about fixing things correctly, no doubt! However, a proper starter relay does more than mask other problems. It converts the ignition switch to a simple trigger that actuates the relay, which in turn activates the starter. Without the relay in place, the ignition switch has to carry all of the starting current to the solenoid. Keeping that load off of the starter switch makes them last a LOT longer. In other words, you are protecting the starter switch by adding a proper starter relay kit. In addition to that, the current path to the starter is shortened, so if aging wiring is causing some resistance, the starter relay reduces/eliminates that issue as well.
>
> Thanks,
> Christopher
> www.t3technique.com
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Jeff Schwaia
> Sent: Tuesday, December 08, 2015 6:07 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Vanagon Starter relay kit
>
> 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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