I tend to think of a starter relay as an upgrade rather than a fix.  True,
it can make a starter work when it has become unreliable for whatever
reason, maybe for a while, maybe forever.  However installing a relay
proactively, before a problem arises, may preserve that good ignition
switch.  An inductive load, drawing substantial current is hard on those
contacts in the switch.  I may be wrong, but I  have the impression that
most car manufacturers now use starter relays, including VW, post T3.

Larry A.

On Tue, Dec 8, 2015 at 9:07 PM, Jeff Schwaia <vw.doka@gmail.com> wrote:

> Actually, for the starter to operate properly, that is a pretty complete
> list... power, ground, and the bushing to support the starter motor.  I
> guess you could add the starter motor itself to the list.  But if that's
> your problem, it's foolish not to replace.
>
> I can understand using a "fix" when in a pinch, but I prefer to fix it
> properly when possible.  That "fix" will eventually not work, especially if
> the problem in the bushing.  Not fun when you're many miles from
> civilization.
>
> It's great that the "fix" is working for you, I prefer to fix things
> correctly.  Just my opinion...
>
> Jeff
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: vw_van_fan_Mark [mailto:madvws@cox.net]
> Sent: Tuesday, December 08, 2015 5:30 PM
> To: Jeff Schwaia <vw.doka@GMAIL.COM>; vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Vanagon Starter relay kit
>
> You stated the 3 good things like it was the complete list and it isn't.
>
> Jay's kit is far from the kind of hack job you are talking about.
>
> Most people have to pay retail for Vanagon parts and $100 an hour for a
> shop replace them. If there is a $30 alternative to a $200 - $400 repair
> then 'bring it on' many of them would say. Not all VW owners have the money
> to spend for the "right" fix when a much cheaper alternative exists and may
> do the job for a long time, even forever.
>
> In my own case I put a relay kit in one of my Syncros when the starter
> began sometimes acting up. I think that was like 6 years ago. I can afford
> a starter any day but with a diff lock equipped Syncro I am happy to leave
> the still working starter alone. I don't have a shop and I have to lay on
> the ground under the van.
>
> Mark
>
>
> Jeff Schwaia wrote:
> > "almost true"...  is that like "almost pregnant"???   ;-)
> >
> > I guess I'm a jaded VW mechanic.  Back when I was a lad working at a VW
> shop in Leucadia (Harvey's Automotive), I saw way too many starter relay
> hack jobs that could've been avoided with a $1 starter bushing.  Always
> considered it a lazy, hack-job work around.
> >
> > Do it once, do it right...
> >
> > Cheers,
> >
> > Jeff
> >
> >
> >
>