Date:         Wed, 6 Mar 1996 00:37:09 -0500
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         DHaynes57@aol.com
Subject:      Re: intermitent starting problem, help

In a message dated 96-03-04 23:02:12 EST, Porter_Fred%PAX9@mr.nawcad.navy.mil
writes:

>Ok, this problem with my 87 Syncro goes back a while.  When I initially 
>posted about the cold starting problem, where the idiot lights come on, and 
>a faint humming is heard from the engine compartment, but no starter 
>selenoid click or starter crank, just silence when the engine is cold, the 
>List seemed to converge on the main relays in the relay box on the left side

>of the engine compartment.  I tried replacing both relays (main and fuel) 
>but the problem remains, and is degrading:  frequency of no start is 
>increasing (sometimes it'll start right up, other times there is a prolonged

>hesitation) and the length of hesitation is increasing.  Until this morning,

>wouldn't start for about 15 min and finally turned over, same symptoms.  I 
>took it to the dealer.  His eyes lit up when I said intermitent electrical 
>problem $$.  Two guys to diagnose at $58/hour.
>
>Does the List have any suggestions about this problem?
>
>later,
>porter_fred%pax9@mr.nawcad.navy.mil
>relax and spin
>87 syncro 
>
>

Probably a bad starter solenoid.  I've come across this problem with a lot of
bosch starters in various vehicles.  Dirt/water gets in and ruins the main
contact bar or rusts the plunger assembly.  My 87 Syncro now has this
ailament.  This starter is a fun job to replace.