Jim Snyder wrote:

> Hi I finally saved up enough to get a new starter for my '82 diesel
> Vanagon to get her back on the road. I stopped by the local AutoZone
> in Woodstock, VA yesterday to find that they are all out and cannot
> get one from the manufacturer. Their price was $120. Has anyone got a
> suggestion where I can get another for a reasonable price? I would
> like to keep my old one also if possible. Also, how difficult is it to
> change it? It looks more difficult and hard to reach than the ones I
> have changed before on my diesel pickup and Rabbits. Is there anything
> I should look out for? Plans are also to go to a number 2 cable for
> the positive battery cable which I have already done with the negative
> and switch to a group 24 Ford battery for more cranking amps. Many
> thanks in advance. Jim

I'm in a struggle with my diesel vanagon, and the main problem with the
removal is, that a support for the clutch slave cylinder is held by its
top bolt.
After removing both bolts and both wires,I removed the brace from the
tranny to the front of the cylinder, and it loosened up enough to
pivot/bend on its third support at the clutch arm pivot for the starter
to swivel enough clockwise on its axis to come from under the slave
cylinder.
Could you reply with an estimate of how far the gear sticks above the
level of the nose?  My starter isn't engaging with my flywheel, and I
think it must be either the wrong starter gear or the wrong flywheel.
Mine sticks out less than 6mm (1/4"); I don't think that's enough.
TIA

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