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Subject:Re: 1985 Vanagon 1.9l gas - starter type ?
From:Raceingcajun
Date:Sat, 11 Mar 2006 22:17:50 -0600

Hi Larry,

    What John said, plus.

     Check battery condition and electrolyte level, top off with distilled
water if needed.

    Load test battery, it should hold a load test of 1/2 the Stated Cold
Cranking amps, not falling below 10 amps, for 15 seconds. Check for engine
off amp draw.

(note battery must be fully charged before any testing, a dead battery will
always test bad)

    Check alternator belt and alt output, it should put out 13.8/14.2 volts
at 2000 rpm's, and at least 12.2 volts under load.

    Clean and tighten all connections and grounds. Volkswagens are very
prone to voltage drops due to corrosion at cable connections, ground
connections, etc.

    If the battery and charging system check good with no parasitic draws,
install your starter booster relay and you should be good.

    Remember hot weather will evaporate the electrolyte in your battery
quickly. So check every three thousand miles, or less,......... you know
when you clean and adjust your points! :-)

Howard