starter questions

zachary · Posted: Sat Oct 11, 2008 2:58 pm Post subject: starter questions

a while ago my starter suddenly began grinding loudly as it was engaged. the bus ('79 FI) would start, but the process didn't sound good.

last week i took the engine out to replace a leaky oil seal. while it was out i redid all of the starter's electrical connections. now that it is back together the starter still grinds (a bit louder) and does not start my bus.

my guess is that the pinion gear is not pushing all the way out, and hitting up against the flywheel teeth.

does this sound right?
is this a problem with the starter or the solenoid?
could i fix this problem without purchasing a new starter?

thanks ya'll

zak

busdaddy · Posted: Sat Oct 11, 2008 3:54 pm Post subject:

How did the ring gear look when you had the engine out? Was the bellhousing full of grindings?

It could be a problem with either the starter or the solenoid or the bushing in the bellhousing, although if the bushing is that bad it's probably screwed up the starter too.
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zachary · Posted: Sat Oct 11, 2008 5:45 pm Post subject:

good call busdaddy i did find l a few metal shavings when i pulled off the clutch. the teeth of my flywheel looked ok, though a bit shiny around the very edges.

zachary · Posted: Sat Oct 11, 2008 5:53 pm Post subject:

while fixing the conections i also discovered that the spade connection on the solenoid that runs to the double relay has always been unplugged, the whole time ive had my bus.

zachary · Posted: Sun Oct 12, 2008 2:40 pm Post subject:

any advice out there?

busdaddy · Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 8:22 am Post subject:

No matter what you do the starter has to come out, look into the hole and inspect the bushing in the bellhousing. If it's bad you may get away with a new bushing for a few months but eventually you are going to need a starter.

The bus will usually run without the fuel pump wire on the starter, but it'll start way faster with it on.
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zachary · Posted: Thu Oct 16, 2008 3:57 pm Post subject:

how can i tell if the bushing is worn out?

1975 Kombi · Posted: Fri Oct 17, 2008 8:07 am Post subject:

Take a trip down to the local VW dealer and have them pull one from the shelf. Or even better buy one they can't be much. Then when you remove your starter compare the two. If it does not look exactly the same it is bad. It is a bit hard to remove the bushing from the bell housing but there are posts on it.
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Brett

“He’s decieving you boy! Reach into his pocket and take what he’s got.” Mr. Crabbs.

75 Westy auto
03 Jetta TDI
71 SB
74 Westy
2011 Touareg TDI
2001 NB TDI
Licensed pilot (single engine land VFR)
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Rust In Pieces: 72 Bug, 73 Bug, 81 Rabbit LS D 2D, 83 Rabbit D 2D, 84 Jetta TD GL, 85 Jetta D, 68 Z28 RS 302, 91 Passat 16v

GreenBrick · Posted: Fri Oct 17, 2008 6:02 pm Post subject:

Zach,

Take the starter up to Bob's VW and see if he can test it for you. You won't be able to test it yourself, because the end of the starter needs to be supported.

He's honest and will give you good advice.
If you do end up needing a starter, he will probably have one. A new bushing usually comes with the starter.

Good luck
Steve
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Steve

'78 Westfalia 2.0L FI (Abigail) R.I.P.


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