When I installed my starter I had rebuilt for me, I noticed they replaced
the solenoid. Then it wouldn't do anything or just click and not engage
unless I whacked it. Put in the relay and haven't had an issue since. 2+yrs
trouble free so far
On Dec 10, 2015 8:15 AM, "T3 Technique" <christopher@t3technique.com> wrote:

> Thanks for correcting my, mmmm, mis-spoken/ ill-described explanation. I
> meant to write exactly what you described, but did a poor job of writing it
> all out clearly. That will teach me to respond after a long, hard day.
> Thanks again!
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
> Of SDF ( aka ;jim lahey' - Scott )
> Sent: Wednesday, December 9, 2015 11:14 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Vanagon Starter relay kit
>
> a couple of statements in this are not quite true..
> ie.
> 'the ignition switch has to carry all of the starting current to the
> solenoid'
>
> What is true .....the ignition switch has to carry all the solenoid
> -triggering current to the starter solenoid , in the stock setup.
>
> also ..
> 'the current path to the starter is shortened' ..
> actually ..
> the solenoid-triggering path the the solenoid is shortened.
>
> the voltage that operates the starter motor still comes from the main
> battery, the the path is the same as stock.
>
> it is a good upgrade to reduce  ignition switch 'start contacts' wear for
> sure.
>
>
> On 12/8/2015 4:44 PM, T3 Technique wrote:
> > Jeff, I completely agree with you about fixing things correctly, no
> doubt! However, a proper starter relay does more than mask other problems.
> It converts the ignition switch to a simple trigger that actuates the
> relay, which in turn activates the starter. Without the relay in place, the
> ignition switch has to carry all of the starting current to the solenoid.
> Keeping that load off of the starter switch makes them last a LOT longer.
> In other words, you are protecting the starter switch by adding a proper
> starter relay kit. In addition to that, the current path to the starter is
> shortened, so if aging wiring is causing some resistance, the starter relay
> reduces/eliminates that issue as well.
> >
> > Thanks,
> > Christopher
> > www.t3technique.com
> >
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On
> > Behalf Of Jeff Schwaia
> > Sent: Tuesday, December 08, 2015 6:07 PM
> > To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> > Subject: Re: Vanagon Starter relay kit
> >
> > 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
> >>
> >>
> >>
>