Date:         Wed, 16 Jun 1999 11:15:27 -0400
Reply-To:     EMZ <vw4x4@FYI.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         EMZ <vw4x4@FYI.NET>
Subject:      Re: Roll starting a Vanagon (manual trans only)
Comments: To: KENWILFY@AOL.COM
In-Reply-To:  <e50132b8.2498f2d8@aol.com>
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII

    Ken,
    Sorry, again. But this is out in out BAD ADVICE! Vanagon trans.
are when known to have weak reverse gearing. In the Syncro you are
likely to even blow a BIG hole right in the side of the case! I would
never try this in reverse. This is transmission suiside.
        NEVER PUSH START YOUR VANAGON IN REVERSE!

            Eric                   86-VW4x4
            vw4x4@fyi.net          72-240z
            Pittsburgh, PA USA     1936-Chrysler


On Wed, 16 Jun 1999 KENWILFY@AOL.COM wrote:

> While test driving a customer's '85 manual Vanagon this week I discovered an
> easy way to roll start the van.  The battery I put in for test purposes
> turned out to not hold a charge (enough to just turn the starter over a half
> a crank, but not to start).  So I was parked on a 15-20 deg grade in my
> driveway and had an idea.  Why not push in the clutch and take off the brake
> and roll start the van in reverse?  Tried it and it works great.  Turn the
> ignition on, allow the van to roll back about 6 feet and pop the clutch (she
> started right up everytime).  Just wanted to let you folks know in case you
> had to do an emergency start with a bad battery or you are having the
> notorious starter solenoid problems.
> Also if you are push starting the van moving forward I always use 3rd gear
> since the gear ratios allow the van to push start easier.
> Just FYI.
> Ken Wilford
> Van-Again
> John 3:16
>