> Hi all. I have this exact starting problem with my '90 syncro - though not
> always when hot. As a result, I always park on hills, or when none are
> available, well, I just cross my fingers. Can someone explain a little bit
> better what exactly that "hard start" kit does. And how tough it is to
> install? For $7.95, I'm definitely going to give it a try.

As it is now, your battery feeds juice to your ignition switch, which then
feeds the starter. This is a relatively long distance for the battery line
to go, with several connectors along the way.  This increases the chances of
voltage drop due to poor connections, wiring resistance, etc. The problem is
most pronounced in a Bus, where the battery is all the way in the back, so
the wiring traverses the length of the bus and back. It is a bit less of a
common problem (but still not uncommon) in a Vanagon.

What the relay kit does is allow you to run a direct wire (via the relay)
from the battery to the starter.  The wire from your ignition switch then
simply triggers the relay (which closes and makes a direct connection
between battery and starter when you turn the key).  By bypassing all of
that extraneous wiring, you can sometimes increase the current flow to the
starter.  This sometimes makes enough of a difference to kick a solenoid
that has just a tad too little current reaching it otherwise.  In any case,
there is no downside to installing the relay, so if it doesn't work, you're
only out eight bucks and a little bit of work.

Basic instructions are included, and also are detailed in John Muir's "Idiot
Guide" (How to Keep Your Volkswagen Alive), although he used a Ford starter
solenoid in place of the relay (also works, but the Ford solenoid causes a
bit of draw itself, which a relay avoids).  Basic understanding of
electrical wiring is assumed, however.

- Ron Salmon
  The Bus Depot, Inc.
  (215) 234-VWVW
  www.busdepot.com

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