Vanagon won't start

VanWilder · Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2010 10:03 am Post subject: Vanagon won't start

So I turn the key and all lights and plenty of power. I hear a click and that is it. I put in a new starter a week ago so I don't think it is the starter. Coil perhaps? There was one small attempt to crank and that was it.

Is it possible that the new Starter fried my old Coil?

My day of Mountain Biking has been replaced by fixing Vanwilder...I am pretty bummed.

Can anyone make any suggestions f where to start?
_________________
J.C.
________________________
"83" Vanagon GL Air cooled "VanWilder"
"84" Westy Air cooled "Lemona" *Sold*
2000" BMW 528i
Trek 6000 MTB
"VanWilder has given back to me more then I could ever put into it" September 22, 2010
Malama Ka `Aina—"Respect the Land"

Timwhy · Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2010 10:46 am Post subject:

Samething happened to me after a new starter install.

It eneded up being a loose connection on the solenoid nut, but I'm sure you would have already checked the wires.
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'09 VW Tiguan
'87 VW Westy

What the Westy wants the Westy GETS

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PDXWesty · Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2010 10:50 am Post subject:

It does sound like some loose or bad connections. I'd check it at the battery and starter.
_________________
89 Westy 2.1 Auto

VanWilder · Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2010 10:53 am Post subject:

Check all connections and they are good. Plenty of battery and batt conns are fine too. I have spark at the starter.

I am guessing new coil time.
_________________
J.C.
________________________
"83" Vanagon GL Air cooled "VanWilder"
"84" Westy Air cooled "Lemona" *Sold*
2000" BMW 528i
Trek 6000 MTB
"VanWilder has given back to me more then I could ever put into it" September 22, 2010
Malama Ka `Aina—"Respect the Land"

freshintulsa · Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2010 10:56 am Post subject:

I've had similar problems, even with a "new" starter. Try using a jumper wire from the solenoid of the starter to the positive post on the back of the alternator. Its at least a quick check to see if its your solenoid.
_________________
"go slower, go lower!!!"

85 westy svx
Fresh front end rebuild
Front cab changed from brown to black with new homemade door panels, etc.
Soon to remove fridge/sink/cabinet and make custom bench seat!!!

89 wolfsburg/ bluestar.... finished the stick to automatic conversion,
tiico motor
Daily driver, 20mpgs and has enough hair in it to make a few dogs.

VanWilder · Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2010 11:05 am Post subject:

Any thoughts about the COIL?????
_________________
J.C.
________________________
"83" Vanagon GL Air cooled "VanWilder"
"84" Westy Air cooled "Lemona" *Sold*
2000" BMW 528i
Trek 6000 MTB
"VanWilder has given back to me more then I could ever put into it" September 22, 2010
Malama Ka `Aina—"Respect the Land"

SteveVanB · Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2010 11:09 am Post subject:

if it does'nt turn over, it's NOT the coil.
_________________
'83.5 Vanagon GL
'67 Split Deluxe work in progress

PDXWesty · Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2010 11:11 am Post subject:

A new coil would have nothing to do with it not turning over. You said it just clicks, right? It's a starter or electrical connection problem. Just because there is a spark at the starter doesn't mean all the connections are strong enough for the full amperage to the starter. Clean your battery terminals again and check the ground connections. I know it seems trivial, but you can't really tell from looking on the outside.
_________________
89 Westy 2.1 Auto

SteveVanB · Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2010 11:17 am Post subject:

Also, a good volt/ohm meter is a nice thing to have around.
_________________
'83.5 Vanagon GL
'67 Split Deluxe work in progress

VanWilder · Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2010 11:29 am Post subject:

All contacts look good. I touched the black and red on solinioid and the it sparks but no crank from the bendex. I turn the key and I here a light buzz coming from the engine area?
_________________
J.C.
________________________
"83" Vanagon GL Air cooled "VanWilder"
"84" Westy Air cooled "Lemona" *Sold*
2000" BMW 528i
Trek 6000 MTB
"VanWilder has given back to me more then I could ever put into it" September 22, 2010
Malama Ka `Aina—"Respect the Land"

Timwhy · Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2010 11:44 am Post subject:

Take the starter out and have it tested. You may have one with a citrus qualitity (Lemon)
_________________
'09 VW Tiguan
'87 VW Westy

What the Westy wants the Westy GETS

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_search.php?search_author=Timwhy&show_results=summary

http://www.youtube.com/user/TIMWHY2?feature=mhee

VanWilder · Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2010 11:49 am Post subject:

I must confess, when I replaced the starter I did not replace the copper bushing that cam with the new starter because I could not remove the old one.

Could that have something to do with my issue?

not wanting to remove the starter,, but I guess if it can't be the coil (simpliler fix) then I must pull the new stater and have it tested.
_________________
J.C.
________________________
"83" Vanagon GL Air cooled "VanWilder"
"84" Westy Air cooled "Lemona" *Sold*
2000" BMW 528i
Trek 6000 MTB
"VanWilder has given back to me more then I could ever put into it" September 22, 2010
Malama Ka `Aina—"Respect the Land"

Timwhy · Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2010 12:20 pm Post subject:

No new bushing? Shouldn't, but you should put in the new one.

That's why it was included with the starter. I know it's a PITA but with a 7/16" tap it should come out rather easily.

I had to borrow the wifes' makeup mirror to see where to put the tap. I had to go through the engine comartment and it wasn't that hard once I could see what I was doing or going to do.

Good luck!!
_________________
'09 VW Tiguan
'87 VW Westy

What the Westy wants the Westy GETS

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_search.php?search_author=Timwhy&show_results=summary

http://www.youtube.com/user/TIMWHY2?feature=mhee

freshintulsa · Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2010 12:55 pm Post subject:

If you tried jumping the solenoid and it still wont engage the starter, try wacking it a few times with a hammer or something, it sounds like it may be stuck. If that works, and it is a new starter, I'd get it warrentied and geta newer one. I had that same thing happen before. I tried jumping the solenoid, and it sparked, but nothing else. I wacked the starter and it freed it up. then it worked, but I of course replaced the starter asap.
_________________
"go slower, go lower!!!"

85 westy svx
Fresh front end rebuild
Front cab changed from brown to black with new homemade door panels, etc.
Soon to remove fridge/sink/cabinet and make custom bench seat!!!

89 wolfsburg/ bluestar.... finished the stick to automatic conversion,
tiico motor
Daily driver, 20mpgs and has enough hair in it to make a few dogs.

VanWilder · Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2010 1:43 pm Post subject:

I took the starter to Autozone where I bought and it they tested it and yes ,, BAD starter...

New one in on Monday....

Thanks everyone...
_________________
J.C.
________________________
"83" Vanagon GL Air cooled "VanWilder"
"84" Westy Air cooled "Lemona" *Sold*
2000" BMW 528i
Trek 6000 MTB
"VanWilder has given back to me more then I could ever put into it" September 22, 2010
Malama Ka `Aina—"Respect the Land"

Wildthings · Samba Member Joined: March 13, 2005 Posts: 19941

And you expected what from Auto Zone? Next time buy Bosch or have your starter rebuilt be in independent rebuilder with a reputation to protect.

VanWilder · Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2010 5:32 pm Post subject:

Yea I guess next time I should spend the $150.00 for a brand new Bosch...

Lesson learned...
_________________
J.C.
________________________
"83" Vanagon GL Air cooled "VanWilder"
"84" Westy Air cooled "Lemona" *Sold*
2000" BMW 528i
Trek 6000 MTB
"VanWilder has given back to me more then I could ever put into it" September 22, 2010
Malama Ka `Aina—"Respect the Land"

shadetreemech · Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2010 5:38 pm Post subject:

“There is nothing in the world that some man cannot make a little worse and sell a little cheaper, and he who considers price only is that man's lawful prey.”

-- John Ruskin (1819 - 1900) --

Cool

_________________
'84 GL 1.9
'01 Volvo V70 T5

RCB · Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2010 7:55 pm Post subject:

Not sure about Auto Zone or Pep Boys but Kragen Auto usually has re-built alternators and starters and 9 times outa 10 they end up to be Bosch units with a nice guarentee and free towing paid for by Bosch if it craps out within a year after purchasing. Save those receipts folks.

surfinwesty · Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2010 10:05 pm Post subject:

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