TheSamba.com :: View topic - Voltage/Starter/Flywheel/Battery Problem? Daily Driver-HELP!

Thu Jul 01, 2004 2:44 pm

Working on a 64 bug with a 1200 (40Horse).

12 volt conversion by previous owner.

Problem: Car would *sometimes* barely start, and sometimes not start at all like the battery was dead or almost dead. But sometimes it would start fine. I took the battery to a autoparts store to test it and they said it was good, so I cleaned the terminals and put it back and it started up fine. I shut the motor off and let it sit for a couple hours and then it wouldn't start at all. The solenoid and starter sounded like they were working but it quickly drained the battery. I thought maybe the starter somehow had too much friction inside or something.

I had a good starter laying around so I swapped them. When taking the one out of the car I noticed two things...
1. Starter was stamped 6V and solenoid was stamped 12V
2. The teeth on the flywheel were worn down on the sides facing the front of the car.

So I put the new 12 volt starter/solenoid in and the car still had no juice, but when I turn the key, I can hear the started spinning, but it's not turning the flywheel! I hooked up a battery charger with a lot of juice and the solenoid and starter are working but not turning the flywheel.

I'm thinking that even though the battery checked out ok at the parts store, it's probably bad.

Is there a difference between flywheels on a 6 volt and a 12 volt 40 horse motor? Should I replace the flywheel?

I did grease the starter around the gear and shaft. Was that a no no?

What should I do?

Put the old 6 volt starter back in and change the battery and see if the problem continues?

Is there a way to test the starter to see if its working properly?

How can I test my alternator to see if it is charging properly? Which cable on the battery do you remove while running to see? I forgot.

Please Help! This is daily driver!

Thank You!

Thu Jul 01, 2004 9:08 pm

I have had a similar problem, it turned out to be the grounding strap from the transaxle to the chassis. make sure all of your connections are clean and tight. It may not be your problem, but it is a cheap try. the PO may have left the 6v starter and changed the solenoid to 12v so you may still have a 6v flywheel. hope this helps

Fri Jul 02, 2004 11:15 am

it sound hard but check the starter bushing. it probably has the wrong one in it. The battery is probably fine. if the starter itself is stamped 6 volt then check the flywheel. make sure the flywheel is the same

NEVER PULL A BATTERY CABLE OFF WHILE THE CAR IS RUNNING :!: . it will put too much of a load on the alternator.

the easyest way to test it is to take it to your local Kragen.

as far as a difference in flywheels between those engines, anybody could have changed the flywheel. all 40 horses were 6v

you dont want to grease the starter gear

Fri Jul 02, 2004 11:53 am

run jumper cables to the starter with the original starter in. does it start? if so, change your battery cables and ground strap. if not see above suggestions.