the solenoid is sticking.  could be just the arm section of it but same
result,
jimt

> Hello-
>
> I'm a bit of an engine newb/novice/idiot so please bear with me as I
> try to explain a problem which occured today.
>
> * Van (87 Westy GL) started up normally, but after starting, a high-
> pitched whine was heard.
>
> * This has happened before.  Something is stuck "on".  Usually
> turning engine off and restarting it will correct it.  Also, it
> usually goes off after about 30 seconds.  It happens sporadically,
> and very rarely (every couple months).
>
> * Attempting to restart the van does nothing, doesn't even try to
> turn over.  This compounds my theory that the starter is "busy" or
> that some crucial relay is locked in an unpleasant manner.
>
> * Today, it did not go off.  After about 3 minutes of the very
> unpleasant sound, I disconnected the grounding strap of battery.
>
> * Connecting the grounding strap instantly activated it
>
> * Went to the engine to take a look, and the sound seemed to be
> coming from the starter motor (toward the lip of the engine bay
> closet to the front of the van)
>
> * As I grabbed the Bentley to see what was what, it finally stopped.
>
> After looking at the engine diagrams, I believe it was the starter
> motor, but I have very little confidence here since I couldn't see
> anything moving.  The van usually starts just fine, every once in a
> while it will hesitate slightly, and I assume I need to work on the
> grounds.
>
> Any ideas on how to diagnose this without waiting for it to happen
> again?  Is this a troubleshooting job a novice can handle?  Any
> theories on how and when this will become worse?
>
> Thanks for any input
>
> Rob Campbell
> 87 Westy, Long Beach CA
>