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Wed Nov 19, 2008 4:01 pm

Ok, there seems to be a reasonable amount of material on 6 volt systems out there, but I haven't quite found the answer I'm looking for yet.

I have a 1959 domestic model beetle that I have been restoring over the last 7 years or so. I'm only the second owner, and its been kept in very good condition, so keeping it stock is a high priority in the restoration. Meaning I'd like to keep it 6 volt if at all possible.

The trouble is, it doesn't like to start. It will start if it's driven regularly and you do all the little tricks to make it happy, but its always kinda wimpy and there's a very distinct possibility that I have to end up push-starting it. Over the time I've had it, I've been through 3 batteries and all of them have been this way. I've cleaned the ground strap on the battery as well as on the transmission, and the generator brushes are new within the last 4 years.

I thought this might just be some of the things that go along with having a 6 volt system, but I'm not so sure now. The most recent time I got stuck with a dead battery I was actually at a VW parts store, so they hooked me up to their charger and gave me a jump. It started right up. Like you would expect from a normal car or something.

So I'm wondering, does this point to an obvious problem with the electrical system, or is that just how 6 volt systems go?
Also, I've looked into some options like a hard start relay or a 12 volt battery with some kind of reduction on it. Are these reasonable work-arounds, or are there better ways of dealing with this?

Thanks for your help

Wed Nov 19, 2008 4:12 pm

To me, it sounds like a parasitic drain on the battery. Click here to read what I went through to correct this problem: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=3407204&highlight=#3407204
I hope this points you in the right direction. You'll have to find the proper wiring schematic for your car of course. After hours of reading, I have found that all the info is here. :D

Wed Nov 19, 2008 4:48 pm

Mine had a habit of not wanting to start once in a while. The positive battery cable had worked loose over the last 49 years inside the swedge connection to the battery, most likely from people including me using it for a handle to pull it off the battery to clean the terminals. New cable stopped the issue. Of course, getting to that point meant I'd cleaned and buffed all of the grounds and connections in the starter/generator/ignition loop as well.

Wed Nov 19, 2008 7:00 pm

Buy a Hard start relay it's the best money you'll ever spend. I own a stock 6 volt 1958 beetle that was very tempermental at best, this fixed the problem and it starts the first time every time.

Cheers,
Peter

Questions??? e-mail to: bsvwoc@msn.com

Fri Nov 21, 2008 2:29 pm

Ok, thanks. I've heard that hard start relays are like the miracle solution for these kind of problems, but I wasn't sure if that was what I'm dealing with. Unfortunately I do not have the car with me at school, but I'll definitely look into it when I'm home for winter break.
I think I'll also check for a parasitic drain, because the batteries do not seem to stay charged for long periods of time.

Fri Nov 21, 2008 2:36 pm

It could also be you're starter bushing, letting your starter drag.I had the same problem with my 63 bus.I have about 6 or 7 starters now but the problem was the bushing.

Tue Nov 25, 2008 6:36 am

With all respect to those that have bought Hard Start relays and it solved your problem, good for you.

I did purchase one, but have not installed it.

The way I figure it is that when the car was brand spanking new, it did not have any problems starting.
So get your car back to "brand spanking new" condition, with respect to wiring in this case.

I "have had" the exact same problem. Notice I said "HAD"? It took weeks of troubleshooting to find the problem. I would turn the key on and nothing. No sounds, no grinding. NOTHING! I would come back awhile later and turn the key on, and brooom broom, it would start. Very frustrating. Changed the battery, new alternator, new coil. I tried everthing until I found the answer here on The Samba. Love this place. It's great!

First check your grounds:

There is one connected to the transmission case. Buy a new cable and make sure the connections points are are cleaned on both ends down to bare metal.

Also change and clean the ground cable and the connection points from the battery to the frame underneath the back seat.

I also cleaned and installed new spade connectors on the wires that go to the voltage regulator.

Ok what finally made the difference for me, was changing the spade connectors and cleaning the contacts on the ignition switch.

After doing that, I've had absolutely no problem what so ever.

I was at the point that I had purchased a Hard Start relay. If your wiring is in tip top shape, you should not need one.

Good luck

Tue Nov 25, 2008 6:52 pm

Ditto

Tue Nov 25, 2008 7:30 pm

I agreed that you have a battery drain take your hot cable off ,take your ohm meter and check to see if it's grounded.Most of the time if the battery cable arcs when you touch it to the post it has a drain.

Thu Nov 27, 2008 7:27 pm

Well, how are we making out?

Sun Nov 30, 2008 11:00 pm

Well the bug is at home, and I'm away at school, so I haven't really gotten to work on it yet. I went back for thanksgiving, but that just amounted to charging the battery so I can check it the next time I'm back. The semester ends in 2 weeks, so I'll be able to take the time to track this thing down.