Date: Tue, 21 Sep 1999 11:06:12 +1000
Reply-To: Dom <dmoon@METZ.UNE.EDU.AU>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dom <dmoon@METZ.UNE.EDU.AU>
Subject: Re: 86 Westy Question
Content-Type: multipart/alternative;
Also
Check the water level in the battery
If it looks low it may have boiled off which would indicate a faulty regulator.
This problem quite often is hidden around town but during a long trip, the battery really gets a chance to heat up. If you have trouble getting battery power for cranking the morning after such a drive, this can commonly be the cause.
Has happened to our VW mechanic
to my father when he had his type 2
and recently to myself in my 89 transporter
Dom :)
----- Original Message -----
From: John
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Sent: Tuesday, September 21, 1999 9:58 PM
Subject: Re: 86 Westy Question
Brent David Kardell wrote:
>
> Hi there everybody,
>
> I just completed a 3 month road trip with my 86 Westy with no
> problems, and now that I'm back home, it won't start. All the
> electricals work, but it won't even TRY to turn over. Does anyone
> have any suggestions of where I can check first, or direct me to a URL
> location where this has already been discussed? I'm obviously not a
> mechanic, and would like to avoid a mechanic as well. Any help is
> very much appreciated!
>
> I hope everyone is have a great day!
>
> Brent Kardell
> 86 Westy
> Oakland, Ca.
Hi Brent,
You symptom could be many things, so the following is just food for
thought:
Is the engine free to rotate - not seized or locked up ?
Is the battery in good condition & fully charged (SG = 1.260 all cells)?
Are the battery cables clean & tight at the batt terminals, ground
connections and the starter solenoid ?
Is the transmission to chassis ground strap clean & tight ?
Is the ignition switch electrical plug tight on the switch (behind
steering column plastic trim cover) ?
Is the crank wire (KL 50) tight on the male pin connection on the
starter motor solenoid (this can be very difficult to check so if there
is a poor connection it is very likely to be overlooked) ?
Are the starter motor bolts (2) tight ?
If all previous checks are OK, remove the KL 50 wire from the solenoid
and check for power when the ignition switch is in the crank position.
If there is power (>10V) the starter is the likely problem. If there is
no power, the ignition switch is the culprit.
Good luck, JP
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