Neil, when you have an hour to spare, pull the starter again. coat the wire braid with `liquid electrical tape' [PlastiKote]. reinstall motor and not have to worry for a good long time. after now back up starter is repaired {about $60} coat the nice, shiny copper braid to keep it sealed. you won't have to worry about that one also.��� h t h�������������������� mike

 

________________________________
 From: neil n <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM 
Sent: Monday, December 17, 2012 9:32 PM
Subject: Why my Starter Motor Failed PICS
  
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