I have 12 volts at the starter. The lower voltage I mentioned was measured
at the  solenoid on the starter. This voltage passes through the ignition
switch and smaller wires than those found on the starter, hence the voltage
drop.

----- Original Message -----
From: "gary hradek" <hradek@YAHOO.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, September 11, 2002 11:22 AM
Subject: New Starter Stopped Working requires the RI wizard

> Noel,
>     I may be off base here but I think you need 12
> volts to the starter.   If we can get some input from
> our wizard in RI I think he can better explain the
> actual voltage needed.   Should check your grounds as
> there are several and your battery and alternator
> output.   gary
>
> Date:    Wed, 11 Sep 2002 10:02:59 -0500
> From:    Noel Cookson <ncookson@NETWORKUSA.NET>
> Subject: New Starter Stopped Working
>
> Hi listees. Questions about starter motors. I just put
> in a new starter
> that
> stopped working after only 6 days of use.
>
> Before pulling the new starter I checked the voltage
> at the solenoid.
> There
> were between 8.5 and 9 volts there. My understanding
> is the voltage
> should
> be at least 8 volts. So the 8.5 to 9 volts should be
> okay.
>
> Next I pulled the starter and gave it a visual
> inspection. One thing I
> noticed is the shaft coming out of the starter can be
> moved in and out
> and
> up and down. This surprised me I thought there would
> be no such play.
> What
> do you  think of this? Should I send the starter back
> and get a new
> one?
>
> Lastly,  I visually inspected the bushing in the bell
> housing. My
> mechanic
> says they are okay as long as they are round, not
> oblong. Mine was
> round so
> I did not replace the bushing. Does everyone agrees
> with this approach?
>
> FYI, I wired up the starter while it was out and it
> spun just fine.
> When I
> put the starter back in it continued to work.
>
>
> Noel '88 GL tiico
>
>
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