The starter and even the bushing really is not that bad a job. If you think
the bushing is bad you need to check it. If falls out or disintegrates then
continued operation will result in the bore for the bushing getting ovaled
out and this will require removing the bell housing for a machine shop
repair. The bendix (over running clutch) on the starter gear could be bad
making for an awful sound on engagement or release.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Alan Felder
Sent: Sunday, January 24, 2010 7:48 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: starter

On my diesel Westy, the starter has been making a noise.  This sounds like a
dry bushing but could instead be a hanging solenoid.  Either way it sounds
bad, but what are the most likely candidates for starter failure.  It seems
to turn very well and strong and will start my diesel in way less than a
revolution, since I cleaned all the glow plug connections :)  It just makes
this awful noise for about half a second.  A ranking of possible
causes/probabilities?

Also, if the motor is good how difficult and/or expensive to rebuild the
solenoid?  I know the bushing is a PITA to remove and the starter is too in
general.

--
Alan Felder
Austin TX
82 Diesel Westy