I am in the exact same situation as you (novice mechanic with a bad starter) please let me know what you find out if you get p-mail.

BTW Bus Depot has new(not rebuilt) Bosch Starters for $99, they also have a relay kit that is supposed to improve starting on air cooled vans (originally intended for Bays but I think it will work for an early air cooled westy).

Thanks,
Chris

On Wed, 17 October 2001, Gavin Flanagan wrote:

>
> 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

Thanks,
Chris Gronski
'80 Westy "Pokey" - SLOPOKEY
'87 Chevrolet Sprint - Ice Racer
'91 Pontiac Firefly - Convertable