This is condition is usually a sign of a bad solenoid or motor brushes. The
automatics are additionally plagued by the extra wiring and the neutral-park
interlock switch. Yes the add on relay may help with the voltage drop
condition but the real fix is the starter. Since most rebuilds are
non-predictable I have begun using the GoWesty gear reduction starters. They
need much less current for the solenoid and the motor itself. The only down
side is your van will sound like a Toyota or something while cranking and of
course they are pricey. But so far everyone I installed has been flawless in
performance.

As for the relay fix be sure to use one with a double break contact as if
the contact should weld closed you will need to be real quick to get that
battery disconnected before the fire.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Robert Clemmer
Sent: Saturday, December 5, 2015 2:54 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Starter removal???

For several years now, occasionally my starter on my 91 2.1 automatic would
not start.  A light tap with a hammer and all is well.  I'm getting ready to
head south after Christmas so I wanted to fix this before I'm stranded in a
rest area with a no start condition.  My challenge is the top bolt/crown
bolt on the starter that goes through the bell housing into the engine case.
Any words of advice before I break this thing off and I have a real problem.

Thanks Bob C