Starter Problem

[tnjanderson]

I'm having an odd starter problem on a 73 Thing. When I go out to start the car, it turns over initially, but if it does not start and I interrupt the cycle (i.e., turn the key off), when I try to start it again, nothing happens. After playing around (tapping on the starter/solenoid, rocking the car while in gear) I still get no start. HOWEVER, I have found that if I simply
put warm air on the solenoid and starter (like a hair dryer) for about 60 seconds, it will immediately start and I will have no additional problems that day and it all works fine until the next morning when the whole cycle starts again.

Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated!

[Danwvw]

What starter is it? Starter Solenoids can be taken apart and cleaned you know!
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1960 Beetle And 1679cc DP W-100 & Dual Zeniths!

[tnjanderson]

It is the basic starter that came with the car, so I assume it has the bushing associated with it, but I don't thnk that is the problem. A good cleaning as you suggest may be the answer.

[Eric&Barb]

Also clean BOTH ends of BOTH battery cables, and places they mount to. Apply some dielectric grease those connections to keep oxygen and corrosion away for as long as possible.

Do same with BOTH ends of the body to ground cable.

Get rid of any battery cable that has one of those repair battery clamps that are bolted/clamped onto the old battery cable.

While you have the starter out, polish and dielectric grease the areas that the starter mounts to the transaxle for a good strong ground there.
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In Stereo, Where Available!

[tnjanderson]

Thanks! I plan on pulling it tomorrow and doing everything suggested thus far. My fingers are crossed!

[Danwvw]

When you dis-assemble the solenoid be sure to un-solder the 4 coil wires that attach to the 2 spades on it first.

When I did mine I broke the coil wires and had to solder new ones on using silver solder.

Mine:

If the solenoid seal is not perfect they get water in them and get rusty. I cleaned mine up and used a little light grease on the plunger and some silicone gasket material on the casing during final assembly.

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1960 Beetle And 1679cc DP W-100 & Dual Zeniths!

[mikeonthebike]

How did you come up with the idea of a blow dryer? I've never heard of that one.

[tnjanderson]

The idea to warm it up came from another VW Bug owner. I'm not sure where he came up with the idea, but I can tell you it worked every time I tried it. Amazing.

Thanks again to all for everyone's advice. I did start disassembling things and will hopefully finish up later this week if time permits.

[Eric&Barb]

Would guess heating might help to soften up old grease in the solenoid linkage.

Solenoid grounds to the starter body, so polish and dielectric grease the mounting surfaces there also.
_________________
In Stereo, Where Available!