In every case of a starter not responding to the ignition key on an Air
Cooled, I found the solenoid to be locking or dragging up in the bore of the
solenoid. I removed and cleaned the solenoids and they started working very
good.
On my 83 Westy Air Cooled I did this once in ten years of ownership and it
always worked good.
There can always be ground straps, corroded battery cables and such that
cause the starter to draw too much current and overheat.
However if everything is in order the cleaning process has always worked for
me.

Stan Wilder
Engine Ceramics
214-352-4931
www.engineceramics.com

----- Original Message -----
From: "phil cain" <bearsvw2000@YAHOO.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, September 11, 2005 6:40 PM
Subject: Re: vanagon starter question

> Could be a combination of all of the above. Could be
> bad wiring from the ignition switch(giving low voltage
> when hot), could be a sticky solenoid, could be
> corroded wires at the solenoid. Could be a dragging
> starter. Could be the ground strap on the
> transmission. I fixed mine(1980 Westy)by rebuilding
> the starter and solenoid, plus cleaning all the wires
> and grounds.(two years ago) After doing all this I
> have not had a hot start problem in two years. Didn't
> need the hot start kit.. Phil
>
>
>
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