With the help of this list I rebuilt my 1.9L 1984 Vanagon GL engine (my
first engine rebuild experience, unless you count COX gas powered model
airplane motors at age 13).

We now have 42K miles on the rebuild (one year later).

Our most recent trip was Portland, OR - Florida - Ohio - Dallas - Portland.

Thanks to all!

My 84' has developed an intermittent starter failure.  After a day of
driving, I'll stop to get gas and when I attempt to start, the starter
motor does not turn.  I've checked that Voltage gets past the ignition and
park/neutral switch.

A local VW parts person said this was a common problem when they get hot.
Does this mean installing a rebuilt starter will not fix this.

If my starter is ok, should there be a heat shield that is missing?
Should I clean the exterior of the starter motor for better cooling? Do I
need to take it off the vanagon to easily clean?

Also, is my auto trans fluid use related?
Do leaky auto trans seals cause dripping on the starter, and gunking up,
causing it to overheat (I used 2qts over our 9K trip)?

Thanks!

Scott Maurer