It really helped my Westy from going click multiple times before cranking.
Now it cranks immediately

Velma 82 1.9L AAZ TD Westy
On Dec 24, 2014 8:22 AM, "Miguel Pacheco" <mundopacheco@gmail.com> wrote:

> A timely warning. A PO crudely wired in a Hard Start Relay on one of my
> current Syncro projects. I backed it into a parking space at the office
> (backing in required/company policy,) and left it in reverse, sans
> emergency brake (not working.) The solenoid somehow became energized and
> the van powered over the cement parking stop and across the sidewalk,
> nestled itself against the office building, where it continued cranking
> until the battery died. I snipped that rat's nest out of there and now
> can't find it to inspect it for exact point of failure. The relay was
> exposed, hanging next to the tranny, there was about 6' of extra wire all
> coiled up with connections crudely twisted on and held with gobs of
> electrical tape. Still, the point is that, even if done right, it is an
> added point of failure. A potentially dangerous one.
> I have installed a new Starter and properly restored the wiring to stock. A
> slow turning starter condition still exists and, as Dennis advises, I know
> that it doesn't need an added relay, but, clearly, the PO thought it did.
>
> *Miguel*
>
> *The free soul is rare, but you know it when you see it- basically because
> you feel good, very good, when you are near or with them. *
> *- Charles Bukowski, Tales of Ordinary*
>
>
>
> On Wed, Dec 24, 2014 at 6:39 AM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>
> wrote:
>
> > In know there are many that see this as an upgrade but in fact you are
> > just adding another failure point. For all of our vans the original
> design
> > has lasted for 23 years + with maybe a few switch failures. Things fail.
> > The really does nothing to help a slow turning starter. All it does is
> > help get the starter solenoid to pull the gear out and make the contact
> for
> > the starter motor. The other point of failure is these relays can fail
> > closed. That makes for bad day. The relay used for this should be of a
> type
> > designed for an inductive load (arching) and be of a double break, spring
> > loaded design. If installed in the engine compartment or otherwise
> outside
> > it should also be sealed or at least enclosed to keep most weather out.
> >
> > Slow turning starters are usually a sign of a bad battery, cables, or the
> > starter itself. For an upgrade ask for 87 and later as they are slightly
> > higher horsepower, (.8 instead .7). I know Bosch is our preferred brand
> but
> > I have had many over the years that were not right. The relationship of
> > volts/amps/power gets very complex with these types of motors but if a
> new
> > starter is slow to turn testing needs to be done to establish why. I find
> > that if I get a bad starter it is usually a batch problem so the next 3
> or
> > 4 will also be bad. I have recently had very good luck with starters and
> > alternators from NAPA and AutoZone.
> >
> > Merry Christmas
> > Dennis
> >
>