half a%%ed starter fix... temporary!

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Okay, I know this is a half assed solution but it will only be temporary and I am looking for some feedback.

I am currently having some starter/solenoid problems on my '77 Westy. Basically 9 out 10 times when I try to start it all I get is a "click" sound from the solenoid. If I crawl underneath and gently tap the starter while my wife turns the key it fires right up. If I am by myself, I can crawl under the bus and bridge the two posts on the starter with a screwdriver to make it spin and then hop in, turn the key and it starts.

I am going to be driving the bus by myself shortly and am not going to have time to buy and install a new starter/solenoid combo (want to do them both at once so that all is new). I don't want to be crawling under the bus at every stop that I make to bridge the 2 posts on the starter (tapping the starter does not work unless someone is turning the key!).

Here is my thought. Can anybody foresee any problems with connecting a wire to each of the posts on the starter, running them up into the cab, and connecting them to a simple on/off toggle switch? Basically, if I have a problem, I will then be able to momentarily "bridge" the two posts from the drivers seat. I plan on installing the switch in an area where I will not be able to bump it by accident.

Any thoughts on this idea. Again, I realize that this is a pretty shoddy solution and I can't believe that I am considering it. Remember... it is only temporary until I can find the time to buy and install a new starter and solenoid.

Feedback?

Thanks!

[NeverHadaBeetle]

If I only had a dollar for every time I have parked on an incline so I could roll start a bus! This works as well as crawling under the bus and tapping on the solenoid. Your toggle switch idea would work, but it sounds like it would be as much trouble as fixing it right to begin with. I recently purchased a new solenoid only for less than $12 at a local national chain parts store and removed the starter and replaced the solenoid in less than an hour. This would be my suggestion. Good luck.

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Thanks for the reply... Forget to mention that it is an auto tranny... no rolling starts for me!

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I think everybody has this prob sooner or later. A "hard start relay kit" from any VW supplier is a common solution. Rocky Mtn Motorworks part# 113998912 costs $14.95. Of course they are only one company, Bus Depot is another. By the way, I just turned the key to the "on" position and then crossed the posts, it starts while you are under there and works if you are alone. REMEMBER, I have an automatic and don't have to worry about getting run over by my bus, but of course you would be in neutral, e-brake pulled, and wheels chocked. Dave

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I see you have an auto also. I was responding @ the same time you were. Well, no worries then. I always carried a mat and a screwdriver where they could be gotten to instantly when having this prob. I've been there and it sucks. Dave

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I think it's a bad idea.

The reason being that unless you use a heavy guage wire, and heavy duty toggle, it'll burn out.

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Thanks for the feedback, suggestions, etc.

I think I'll just stick to crawling underneath for now.

solexes re-stated the fear of frying the wires and/or switch that has been in the back of my mind.

Thanks again!

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Well... Despite the advice and my better judgement I went ahead and gave the toggle switch idea a try... It worked! I used a 20amp toggle switch and 10 gauge wire. I also included a 20amp in-line fuse just incase. The addition of the toggle switch only took about 20 minutes and has saved a lot of crawling under the bus. Now any time the starter doesn't work I just give the toggle a quick flick on and off and... tah-dah! Fires right up with a turn of the key.

The time has come however to fix it right... just wanted to see if this idea would work.

[NeverHadaBeetle]

You should save the toggle switch and wiring for times when you are working on your bus. I have a push button switch wired to some nice heavy wire that has alligator clips on the ends. I can quickly and easily attach this to my starter when I'm working on a bus by myself. I can then crank the engine from back at the engine compartment. It saves me a lot of time and my wife isn't always having to assist me with cranking the bus. Just make sure to unplug the positive lead to the coil between starts so you don't overheat the coil.