Adding a relay sounds like a proactive modification that protects the ignition switch. 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Dec 8, 2015, at 6:49 PM, Larry Alofs <lalofs@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> 
> 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
>>