Just get the gear reduction modern starter from GoWesty or Van Café and be done with it. Self supporting so no need for the bushing in the bell housing. The permanent magnet motor and the gear reduction require much less current to get the job done so eve with the earlier battery cables the engine will turn over. Solenoid/gear engagement also much better. No need for add on failure items such as relays etc. All new parts.   Many of the rebuilds just not right. Tired of doing them again especially on Syncros. Just get the better unit. 

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Larry Alofs
Sent: Saturday, March 19, 2016 6:58 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Slow cranking with fully charged battery

The relay fix is indicated only when the starter does not engage and makes no noise at all.

  Be sure that the connections everywhere are clean and tight.  Try to measure the voltage at the positive starter terminal while cranking.  I would hope for 11V or more.  If so, and the ground connections are good, the starter is likely at fault.
  Does the '85 have the early style cable from the battery to the starter?
If so, that could be part of the problem.

Larry A.

On Sat, Mar 19, 2016 at 5:34 PM, Raymond Markett <raym02@yahoo.com> wrote:

> Hello,
>
> My '85 WBX starter cranks slowly even with a fully charged battery. 
> Does the Vanagon respond well to the  Bay Window starter relay fix, or 
> is it a better bet to change the starter?  Has anyone tried a remote 
> starter or jumpering something somewhere to troubleshoot the issue?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Raymond
>
> Sent from my iPhone