Batteries do wear out, 5 yrs is a long time for a car battery. When
was the last time you checked the water level (use distilled water)?
I have one of those really simple battery hydrometers, it will show
me the condition of the acid in the battery cells.

Rob
becida@comcast.net

At  9/15/2010 07:05 PM, Courtney Hook wrote:
>Well keep me informed Rocket man, because I have the exact same syptoms in
>my 77 Bay, and I'm wondering if it's the battery. Like you, I've got all new
>wiring and cleaned connections re; ground straps etc. Last thing I can
>figger is either battery or starter itself.
>Courtney
>
>++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
>Always be yourself, because the people that matter don't mind,
>and the ones who mind, don't matter.
>
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "Rocket J Squirrel" <camping.elliott@GMAIL.COM>
>To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
>Sent: Wednesday, September 15, 2010 6:38 PM
>Subject: Starter: it's one or another
>
>
>>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.
>>
>>--