Date:         Sun, 2 Aug 1998 12:25:23 -0400
Reply-To:     Mark Thoma <TVReporter@STRATOS.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Mark Thoma <TVReporter@STRATOS.NET>
Subject:      Starter-solenoid-relay problems
Comments: To: Vanagon@VANAGON.COM
Content-Type: multipart/alternative;

Hey volks,
I know this was a recent thread, but at the time I wasn't having any problems and now I am.
At least once a day the turbo-diesel refuses to crank over when I turn the key.  If I get out there and tap the starter-solenoid with a hammer it will start.  The starter appears to crank just fine, plenty of speed, torque, etc. and the engine starts.  Is my problem in the solenoid? and if so, what can go wrong with it?  After all the solenoid is just a big electro magnet that slams shut sends juice to the starter and at the same time pulls the starter gear into the flywheel.  Or is the problem in the black relay box on the firewall that also works the glow plugs?  And while I'm on that topic, my glow plug light lights up, but never goes out until I turn the key.  It's like it doesn't have the time delay dependant on engine temperature function working any more.  Any thoughts diesel people?
Mark Thoma
 

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