starter removal problem

[benabrown]

My third vanagon, but new to doing my own work.

81 vanagon with 2.2 mshp engine

Starter is not working so I began the removal process (disconnect battery, label wires, loosen bolt, etc...) and yet the starter will not come out. Seems like there is another bolt holding it in, but I cannot locate it.

Can someone please help me with my first diy project?

Thanks!

[Zero419]

the one bolt (not sure if it top or bottom) is realy, realy long. You have to pull it all the way out.
_________________
1987 Westy Auto Bostig 2.0 Ztec

[dobryan]

[benabrown]

Thanks! I tried to find the bolt on the top, but it is only by feel as I cannot see anything. I did find a post that feels cylindrical and I cannot get the wrench on it. I will keep groping the undercarriage and hopefully find this elusive top bolt.

[madmax25]

As I recall, the top bolt is actually one of the 4 engine to trans. bolts, the nut is hiding under the throttle body. The starter end has an allen head, thus the round feel. Easiest to get the top one from the engine compartment.

_________________
-Elliot

'88 Vanagon GL "Big Red"
'90 Westy

[guavajelly]

[PIRATE]

its a 6 mm allen bollt

it is one of the engine mount bolts you cant see it just feel it make sure you do not strip it make sure your allen is seated all the way it threads into the starter housing i belive.
_________________
2003 jetta wagon
1987 westfalia 2wd
1987 Syncro GL
1964 vespa vbb 150
1973 vespa sprint
2005 toyota tacoma Ole reliable

[bjrogers86auto]

And it's really really tight!

Ask me how I know.

Brian.

[benabrown]

well - now I gotta ask - how do you know?

[benabrown]

I successfully pulled the starter and replaced it with the SR-17 - thanks for all of your guidance.

The only problem now is that this did not fix my issue!

Battery on a charger, turn the ignition and lots of power to the console. Turn further to engage starter and nothing but a slight dimming of the console lights. then the power drains out of the battery and I am left with a dead battery and a car with a new starter that still needs a little push to get going...BUMMER!

[dobryan]

Your battery should not lose all its power with one try to start. Something is wrong here. Are all your grounds good?
_________________
Dave O
'87 Westy w/ 2010 Subaru EJ25 (Vanaru) and Peloquin TBD

"To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive." Robert Louis Stevenson

MD>Canada>AK>WA>OR>CA>AZ>UT>WY>SD
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[madmax25]

What kind of shape is the battery in? I've had that same kind of thing happen when the battery is at the very end of its life, charged and full to zip when a load gets put on it. Check the battery water level? If not that, the real pros will be here soon to assist.
_________________
-Elliot

'88 Vanagon GL "Big Red"
'90 Westy

[morymob]

Jumper cables,from another battery/vehicle???? Standard 'end of life' batt symptoms.

[bjrogers86auto]

You can have the battery load tested...but it sounds like it's toast.

I know because I did this last year and man-o-man it was tight!

When it's all done check your charging rate as well...mine wasn't charging well and required an extra ground on the alternator itself.

Brian.

[benabrown]

Thanks all - the battery was toast, however, the problem still exists! I can't believe it!

OK - new battery, new starter, turn the ignition part way and the injectors hum, turn the ignition all the say and one audible click and nothing else. repeat.

I have heard people talk about the ground strap between the chassis and the transmission, but I have no idea what this looks like, so I cannot identify whether or not this is a problem. Thanks a ton in advance.

[?Waldo?]

Smart money is on the ignition switch or the voltage drop from the excessive 30 ft run of power from the end of the battery cable on the solenoid stud to the ignition switch and back again to the sense connection on the solenoid. Add a "hot start relay" and your issue will be gone. Your ignition switch will last longer too.

[bjrogers86auto]

The ground strap usually looks like a battery cable (smaller gauge wire) or a braided strap. It's on the front of the tranny underneath. There is one on the engine as well.

When you are looking down at the lovely display of German engineering it is on the left side of the engine and is grounded on the side by the coil...roughly.

The hum you hear is fuel pump. Sounds like it may be the ignition switch. Once in awhile mine does nothing when I turn the key to start...if I hold it there it usually takes off. I have a switch...just haven't "switched "it yet. hehe.

Brian.

[PIRATE]

you really need to go thru all your grounds if that doesnt do it its your igintion just sand them nice and shiny then put them back on the tranny one and thon the left side of your engine bay there is one. any way it you get power at all its your ignintion.
_________________
2003 jetta wagon
1987 westfalia 2wd
1987 Syncro GL
1964 vespa vbb 150
1973 vespa sprint
2005 toyota tacoma Ole reliable

[Timwhy]

When I installed my new starter last fall, I too expirenced
some issues with starting.
Double check all your connections on the starter and make sure
they have good contact. I had to replace one of the spade
connector to get a better connection and the large termainal
nut kept coming lose. Tighten that one up as well, but do all
your checking and tightening with the neg side of the battery
disconnected.

You can in the picture how bad my starter looked befofe
I replaced it. The red/black wires' spade connector had
to be replaced as it was rusted and falling aprt just
like the starter was. Using some dielectric grease on these connection is also a good idea
The ground strap on the starter itself rusted apart and when I removed it from the van the
whole thing broke in two. Glad I had the problems with this while I was in my driveway.

Good luck!...........................Tim
_________________
'15 Audi A3 Quattro
'09 VW Tiguan (dead)
'87 VW Westy
'91 Tin Top
'90 Cabby
What the Westy wants the Westy GETS


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

[benabrown]

Thanks Tim -

I have checked my connections, wire brushed my ground from the chassis to the transmission but for the life of me, I cannot find the ground in the engine compartment near the coil...either it is so covered with Dirt that it is not visible, or it has already become "dust in the wind", or it has something to do with the engine modification - I have a Mark Stephens High Performance 2.2 that the previous owner installed.

I do have the ignition switch, and a volt meter on order so I will start those projects here soon regardless (a good learning opportunity and something to dink around with after the kid goes to sleep)!