Vanagon starters sometimes have solenoids that freeze in the barrel of
the actuator barrel.
The starter normally has hesitations for several weeks or months before
it simply will not move the drive gear to the flywheel.
The cure for this is to remove the starter, clean the solenoid, put light
lubrication of WD40 or Silicone spray on the internal parts.
I've seen starters with a rubber baffle in the actuator but don't be
surprised if it is missing, its simply a disk of rubber that is supposed
to keep dirt out ................. I serviced my solenoid seven years ago
and its still going so I know that it takes a long time to collect enough
dirt to freeze it again.
Time to get dirty!
17 mm nut inside engine bay, 15 mm nut on lower side of starter
............... loosen the inside bolt first so your starter doesn't hit
the ground.
I still can't figure what the smell might be unless your starter is just
full of oil that got hot.
Loose push on connectors can sometimes sizzle because of arching, enough
sizzle will melt down the little sleeves on the push on connectors.

Stan Wilder

On Wed, 19 Feb 2003 12:57:27 -0600 "ok artguy" <okartguy@hotmail.com>
writes:
> I tested the new switch; it had no effect on the starter motor
> running when
> the battery's connected. The starter's not engaging, only the motor
> is
> spinning. Also, my van has a Weber conversion, so I can rule out the
> AFC
> components. I'm assuming that something has shorted out beneath the
> dash, as
> I could smell hot wires when the incident ocurred. I pulled the
> fuseblock
> down and shined a flashlight in behind to see if anything was amiss,
> but of
> course there was nothing obvious. I guess I need to trace out the
> main line
> to the starter?
>
> JJ
>
>
>
>
> >From: Stan Wilder <wilden1@juno.com>
> >To: okartguy@hotmail.com
> >Subject: Re: HELP! '81 cratered on the way to work this morning...
> UPDATE
> >Date: Wed, 19 Feb 2003 12:37:25 -0600
> >
> >You can just plug that new switch in and hold it in your hand and
> turn
> >the slotted union.
> >If the starter turns the engine over then you just have to look
> elsewhere
> >for the trouble.
> >I'd try unplugging everything in the engine compartment one
> connector at
> >a time and re plugging it.
> >The temp sensor is right near the fuel pressure regulator near the
> fire
> >wall on the driver side.
> >Try unplugging it and attempt a start with it unplugged (I've
> found
> >broken wires inside the insulation before).
> >Its about $13.00 if you need one.
> >Last bit of advise that you can do and stay clean ...............
> pry the
> >top off your AFM (black square plastic)
> >be sure that your arm goes all the way over and closes the switch
> for
> >your fuel pump on the far right of the arc.
> >There is also a ground wire on your Double Relay straight up from
> the
> >Fuel Pressure Regulator ......... be sure its grounded, a brown
> wire
> >normally under the screw that holds the resistor pack.
> >
> >Stan Wilder
> >
>
>
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