Date:         Tue, 2 Dec 1997 13:41:31 -0800
Reply-To:     TBill <tbill@STARTEXT.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon mailing list <Vanagon@Gerry.SDSC.EDU>
From:         TBill <tbill@STARTEXT.NET>
Organization: Portfolio Management
Subject:      Re: 84 Starter/Auto Trans problem?
Comments: To: Karen Olson <kdosmm@WORLDNET.ATT.NET>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

> My 84' has developed an intermittent starter failure.  After a day of
> driving, I'll stop to get gas and when I attempt to start, the starter
> motor does not turn.  I've checked that Voltage gets past the ignition and
> park/neutral switch.
>
> A local VW parts person said this was a common problem when they get hot.
> Does this mean installing a rebuilt starter will not fix this.
>
> If my starter is ok, should there be a heat shield that is missing?
> Should I clean the exterior of the starter motor for better cooling? Do I
> need to take it off the vanagon to easily clean?
>
> Scott -

Does it ONLY fail after driving?  I had a similarly maddening problem,
but mine also occured before driving.  Had a tendency to fail in hot
wheather, but got worse.  Mechanic tried this and that, no help.
Finally, I wired a starter button on the battery case directly to the
solenoid.  Been fine since.  Go figure.  And let me know how your
problem turns out.

TBill

Gearing up mentally to sell the 83.5 Westy.***