FWIW mine just simply started spinning without engaging one day, no prior
symptoms.  Bad starter.

Mike

On 2/19/03 11:20 AM, "Stan Wilder" <wilden1@JUNO.COM> wrote:

> 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
>
>