Does seem to be a resistance problem, also check the ground cable between
the transmission and van body.

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Kenneth Wilford
Sent: Tuesday, August 08, 2006 2:47 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Having a problem with a starter

I am having a strange electrical problem with an 84 Vanagon GL with manual
transmission.  The van came in with a "not starting when hot" problem and
also a slow spinning over starter.  I found a problem with the temp II
sensor wiring and fixed that easily.  However the slow spinning starter has
me stumped at the moment.  I thought the problem was just that the old
starter was hurt because the woman kept spinning the thing over when it
wouldn't start.  I tried putting in new ground straps on the engine and also
a new one on the transmission but this didn't help at all.  Next I tried
replacing the starter with a new one and this did not fix the problem.  The
strange thing that I have noticed is that as I am trying to crank the van
over the ground wire on the battery gets extremely hot.  At one point it was
smoking hot.

Anyone have a clue on this one?  It seems like something is shorting out,
but I can't figure out what that would be.  I would appreciate any advice
you have on this one as it is causing me much head stratching.

Thanks,
Ken Wilford
John 3:16
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