Many times the plunger in your solenoid sticks (dirt/grease/crud) you can
clean it and see if it helps.
If it doesn't help then the starter is the route.
If you choose to go for a rebuilt then have it rebuilt locally.
I've got a new Bosch starter (120$)on my parts page and I've got a good
used (35$)starter cheaper.
Stan Wilder
83 Westfalia Air Cooled
Air cooled parts for sale
http://williamwareagency.com/forsale/stanvan/parts.htm

On Wed, 17 Oct 2001 16:59:28 -0700 Gavin Flanagan
<sfsoulsurfer@MINDSPRING.COM> writes:
> Hello Volks,
>
> I am a novice mechanic so bear with me if this is a silly question.
> I've
> searched the archives and haven't been able to find an answer, so
> here goes:
>
> After consultation with some mechanics (and some successful whacks
> with a
> hammer), I came to the conclusion that my starter needs to be
> replaced. It
> intermittently fails, usually after long drives. I hear a click when
> I turn
> the key and 90% of the time a whack on the starter will get the car
> to
> start. It is an '82 Westy with manual transmission.
>
> I read several sets of instructions before starting the job,
> disconnected
> the negative battery strap, and crawled underneath. I was able to
> get
> oriented to everything except that (supposed) half moon shaped nut
> on the
> upper side of the starter. One of instructions advised accessing it
> from the
> engine compartment above. I have shrouding around my engine and
> could see no
> easy way to get at the nut from above. From below, with many
> contortions, I
> could put my finger on the thing but the (recommended) 17mm socket
> couldn't
> get a grip. I tried a 19 mm also to no avail.
>
> I have now given up and am covered in grease. Is there a kind soul
> out there
> who can help me become a little more self-sufficient and a little
> less
> reliant on the local vw mechanic?
>
> Thanks in advance,
> Gavin
>
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