A warm engine is harder to turn because the clearances are smaller - more
compression  is the result.

I'm running double transmission ground straps and double engine ground
straps since my Subaru conversion and the stock WBX starter spins the much
bigger, higher compression engine wa-a-ay better than it turned the 2.1 WBX.

Its a cheap and easy mod if you don't mind getting under the van a
little...  ;)

Jake

On Wed, Sep 15, 2010 at 6:38 PM, Rocket J Squirrel <
camping.elliott@gmail.com> wrote:

> On our recent trip, I noticed that Mellow Yellow's starter had quite a
> bit of hesitation when the engine was warm. Turning the key would result
> in a single "chug," then a pause, then "chug, chug, chug" and the engine
> would start.
>
> This is not new, it's been going on for a couple years at least, and
> it's getting worse.
>
> Two possibilities come to mind: high resistance in the starter motor
> main current path, or weak starter battery.
>
> I am in agreement with David Beierl that fat copper cables don't "wear
> out" or develop high resistances due to age. Without damage to the
> insulation, the copper will be fine. The transmission's ground strap was
> just re-tightened when the transmission was pulled and replaced.
>
> Besides -- should a warm engine be easier, not harder, to turn over?
>
> I lean toward the theory that the starter battery is getting long in the
> tooth. Those things do wear out.
>
> Unless someone talks me down, I'm just going to go out and buy a
> replacement.
>
> --
> Rocky J Squirrel
> '84 Westfalia: Mellow Yellow ("The Electrical Banana")
> '74 Westrailia: (Ladybug Trailer company, San Juan Capistrano, Calif.)
> Bend, OR
> KG6RCR
>

--
Jake

1984 Vanagon GL 1.9 WBX 'The Grey Van'
1986 Westy Weekender/2.5 SOHC Suby 'Dixie'

Crescent Beach, BC

www.thebassspa.com
www.crescentbeachguitar.com
http://subyjake.googlepages.com/mydixiedarlin%27