One of two things, 8 times out of 10.

1       Starter bushing is worn, this makes it very difficult for the starter to
spin over with any speed.  $0.50 piece
2       Corroded 'hot' wire for the starter (R/BK wire) so there isn't enough
juice to make the starter solenoid work.

#1 is a slow / hardly spinning starter.  #2 is no starter at all.

If it is #1, you can tell at that point how good the starter is, if there is
a lot of play in the shaft of the starter it is worn out and should be
replaced.  If there is a little / minimal play I wouldn't worry about it.

The solution for #2 is to install a relay to trigger the starter.  The relay
would be triggered by the R/BK wire and would be fed by the main 12V input
to the starter.

Good luck!

David Marshall

Fast Forward Automotive Inc.
4356 Quesnel-Hixon Road
Quesnel BC Canada  V2J 6Z3

http://www.fastforward.ca    mailto:sales@fastforward.ca
Phone: (250) 992 7775        FAX: (250) 992 1160

- Vanagon Accessories and Engine Conversions
- Vanagon, Transporter and Iltis Sales and Importation
- European Lighting for most Volkswagen models

Due to the large volume of email  we  receive,  PLEASE  include  previous
emails when responding.  This will allow us to read the complete dialogue
in one message and will result in quicker and more  accurate  responses.

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
Of Dylan Kahler
Sent: February 4, 2004 12:38 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: was starting issues...now mechanic questions

hello again!

so my vanagon died (wouldn't start again...weak rev of starter...then
nothing) in the Safeway parking lot, and I had to get it towed to a
mechanic. they told me there was "only so much we can do" with VWs
right off the bat...greaaaat. i figured it was worth letting them take
a look, since I've got virtually no experience. they called me today
and said it's NOT the ignition switch but the starter. if this is the
case, why would my headlights and wipers occasionally not work? they
want to replace the starter and quoted me a $250 job. what should I do
with this? i'd rather not get it towed again, but i don't want to drop
that much cash on an iffy situation. on the other hand, if that's what
needs to be done, i'd be willing to pay for the work.

let me know what you think!

Thanks!!!

Dylan
dkahler@ups.edu

'85 Westy Campmobile