And this is likely where I remembered reading some issues with westies with
fridges:
https://www.uniwerksdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Vanagon-Hard-Start-Relay.pdf

On Wed, Aug 24, 2022 at 9:37 PM J.C. <dougm+sfbayrangers@kzsu.stanford.edu>
wrote:

> I found one of the sites that mentioned some caveats with installing this.
> To quote:
> "
> *** IMPORTANT INSTALLATION NOTES **:  The hard start relay will not
> function properly in 1986-1991 Vanagon’s with both Automatic
> Transmission and Factory Cruise Control due to a relay conflict with the
> cruise control system.  If your van only has either an Automatic
> Transmission or Factory Cruise Control, the relay will function properly.*
>
>
> *It has come to my attention recently that running a hard start relay with
> the GoWesty Auxiliary Battery Kit or the GoWesty Gear Reduction Starter may
> result in complications.  If you have either of these products installed in
> your van, the use of the hard start relay is not recommended and will be
> completely at the risk of the installer."*
> *(from
> https://www.uniwerksdesign.com/product/vanagon-hard-start-relay-kit/
> <https://www.uniwerksdesign.com/product/vanagon-hard-start-relay-kit/>)*
>
> On Wed, Aug 24, 2022 at 9:29 PM J.C. <dougm+sfbayrangers@kzsu.stanford.edu>
> wrote:
>
>> John,
>> The Bosch WR1 looks like a great option. Is yours a Westfalia? I seem to
>> recall reading something about a potential issue using this in a Westfalia
>> (but then I did read quite a few discussions about it.)
>>
>> On Wed, Aug 24, 2022 at 6:05 PM John Lauterbach <john@jhl.mgacoxmail.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> For a number of years I had an '82 diesel.   I had the same problems you
>>> have.  I didn't know about this list at the time, and replaced numerous
>>> starters.  I had the same problems with an '84 I purchased some years
>>> larter.   By that time, I had come across this list, and learned about the
>>> Bosch WR1 starter relay.  Problem solved.
>>>
>>> John
>>>
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> *From*: J.C. <dougm+sfbayrangers@KZSU.STANFORD.EDU
>>> <%22J.C.%22%20%3cdougm+sfbayrangers@KZSU.STANFORD.EDU%3e>>
>>> *Reply-To*: J.C. <dougm+sfbayrangers@KZSU.STANFORD.EDU
>>> <%22J.C.%22%20%3cdougm+sfbayrangers@KZSU.STANFORD.EDU%3e>>
>>> *To*: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>>> *Subject*: '82 Diesel vanagon. Starter isn't turning over.
>>> *Date*: Tue, 23 Aug 2022 21:42:55 -0700
>>>
>>> For a couple of months it's taken a number (5, 6, or more) of start
>>> attempts to get the starter to turn over. Does that seem to indicate an
>>> issue with the starter, or starter solenoid, or ground connection, or...?
>>>
>>> You may have seen my earlier email about a replacement alternator. I
>>> followed the advice here and got a properly sized alternator and swapped
>>> it
>>> in. Thanks for all that help!
>>>
>>>