Okay, first things first. Your problem is intermittent. When attempting a
start, do the ignition/ oil indicator lights dim slightly? If not, most
likely culprit is the flag terminal ( small diameter wire; push on/ pull off
style) on starter solenoid, energized when twisting the key to start
position. Check connection and clean, clean, clean. If they dim to the point
of going out, either bad battery connections (at the bat) or bad battery.
(see clean. clean, clean). If the solenoid clicks but the starter does not
operate, check the top-most (at the starter) big diameter wire for corroded
connection (see Clean, clean, clean). (disconnect bat ground first, please).
If the starter spins but does not engage the flywheel (i.e. does not spin
the engine) you are probably headed to starter city, lubing might help for a
little while. Note: one other thing I've seen is the short cable to the
starter moter from the solenoid (uninsulated braided cable) burn itself open
eventually. No starts will occur after that.
Hope this helps
Dave

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
Of Todd Last
Sent: Sunday, December 29, 2002 7:06 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Starting problems...

My van is getting persnickety about starting. Usually when it is cold it
refuses to engage the starter.
However, if I whack the side of the starter and solenoid, it will
usually start afterwards - but not always.
(I remembered this trick from having two previous air-cooled VWs.)

I'm assuming that the solenoid is sticking. If I turn the battery gauge
on the camper panel on, I get a green light - just nothing happens when
I turn the key.

Can I just take the solenoid out and clean it? Or is this just the
beginning of starter failure? battery failure?

Todd
'88 Westy