Date:         Fri, 24 Jan 1997 20:06:12 +0100
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         johan.nyberg@sodertalje.mail.telia.com (Johan Nyberg)
Subject:      '86 Caravelle sluggish cranking

An old thing, that I've learnt to live with, but rather wouldn't.
When I turn the key, the starter very hesitantly turns the engine 'till it
starts. When the battery is newly charged and the engine is cold, then it
sometimes cranks as I would like it to, but that is not very often.

Yes, I have changed the battery, and the charging regulator. With the
absolutely fresh battery, the cranking was good for a couple of days. Then
back to normal.

Yes, I did check and clean the connections all the way from the battery to
the starter, even the braid from chassis to transmission.

Yes, I do change the oil, and do use a high quality synthetic 5W-50.

No, I have not pulled out the starter and taken it apart.

So, what do you suggest?


Johan Nyberg, Sodertalje Sweden
'86 Caravelle C
'62 Wife
'85 Daughter
'87 Son
'88 Son
'91 Son
'93 Daughter

(Signature concept gratefully stolen from Tim Casey)