That explains a lot.  It still can be fixed and, if nothing else, is
good for a core.

Mike B.

On 12/17/2012 9:32 PM, neil n wrote:
> Nothing new for the old hands here but interesting to me.
>
> The failure is obvious. That braided copper "wire" was corroded and
> falling apart. Like it appears bits of braid had fallen out (or were
> eaten by corrosion) creating a hole. Image:
>
> http://tinyurl.com/bmcvzx5
>
> Turning the 13mm nut slightly caused the wire to disintegrate and break.
>
> Image: http://tinyurl.com/bqz998z kind of shows how worn the braided wire was.
>
> I guess I'm showing these images so people can get an idea of what can
> go wrong with a starter. I suspect that this van sat a while and
> moisture etc. took it's toll. Like I bet the bushings etc. in starter
> are in reasonably good shape.
>
> Installed my spare Bosch reman. starter. "vroom, vroom". All good.
>
> Thanks for the help people!
>
> Neil.
>
> --
> Neil n
>
> 65 kb image Myford Ready For Assembly  http://tinyurl.com/64sx4rp
>
> '88 Slate Blue Westy to be named.
>
> '81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco"  http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/
>
> Vanagon VAG Gas I4/VR Swap Google Group:
>
> http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines