If you go to crank the van over and you hear a "zing" or grinding noise but
the van doesn't turn over then it could be bad teeth on the flywheel.  If it
is just turning over slow then you might want to check your charging system
with a voltage meter to see how much voltage your alternator is putting out
or if you have a bad battery (battery with less than 12 volts when the van
is off).  If it is a bad spot on the flywheel the only way to fix this is to
remove the engine and change the flywheel.  No fun but if you have the
engine out for some other reason just remember to check out the flywheel as
well.
The only other alternative could be that the starter is spinning but the
bendix is not shooting the starting gear out far enough to engage the
flywheel.  The best way to test this is to remove your starter and take it
to an electrical shop or your local Autozone/Advance Auto and have them test
the starter on a bench to see if the gear shoots out all the way.

Let me know if you need a new starter.  We have rebuilt Bosch units in
stock.

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
Of Richard Cochrane
Sent: Friday, April 11, 2003 3:11 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Starting Problem '91 Syncro

My '91 Syncro is having starting problems.  Some times I turn the key and it
starts fine, others times it make a sound like it is trying to start but
won't.  It is obvious from the turn of the key that the engine is not going
to turn over.  Over the past two weeks I have figured out how to temporarily
solve the problem.  By opening the engine compartment and turning the engine
belts about 2 inches it starts fine.  I was told that it may be the starter
solinoid or it could be that the gear on the starter or fly wheel is missing
teeth.  I am a new Vanagon owner and not very familiar with it yet.  Can
anyone point me in the right direction?  Thanks!

rich

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