Date:         Wed, 08 Jan 1997 20:03:34 -0800
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Lawrence Johnson <ljohnson@halhinet.on.ca>
Subject:      Re: Hello again, Brakes, No-Start, Coolant bleeder, 1985 GL

Lawrence Johnson wrote:
> 
> Lebron,Nathan wrote:
> >
> > >> Another problem i have been experiencing since purchase about 1.5
> > years ago
> > >> is the No-start symptoms.  This happens at any temperature, but more
> > >> frequently when it is cold outside.  I turn the key and all i hear is
> > a
> > >> slight hum, which i think is the fuel pump.  Sometimes if i hold the
> > key on
> > >> for awhile it will finally turn over and start.  If this doesn't work,
> > >> usually waiting 20 min or so will work.  The battery is fine, brand
> > new.  Is
> > >> the solution the Ford solenoid?  where can i find the details on this?
> >
> > Well, I had this same problem and I ended up replacing the starter.
> >  Apparently what happens is that the starter motor turns, (thus the hum)
> > but the binhex doesn't pull out to engage with the flywheel to turn the
> > engine over.  One way to get the Vanagon going is to go under the van and
> > while someone turns the key, hit the starter motor with a hammer until it
> > engages.  A couple of weeks ago it was 9 degrees in upstate NY and I
> > refused to go under the Van to start it.  I have no idea why the starters
> > do that but that's how to solve it.
> > I bought a Bosch reman starter for $160 in my area and paid a mechanic
> > for 2 hours work.  The dealer wanted $375 for a reman.
> >
> > If you get a solution to the break problem, please share because I have
> > the same exact problem.
> >
> > Nate El Great
> > 85 GL 157,000 miles- "Baby Blue Whale"
> 
> Just a short addition to Nate's comments:
> I've had this same problem with a 1980 Saab (not yet with our 1986
> syncro westy) and I got good results by lubricating the starter shaft
> and bendix gear (the gear that engages the flywheel). I used kerosene as
> a lubricant and sprayed it on.
> Larry