Hard Start Relay Help

GarththeVan · Posted: Sun Mar 05, 2017 7:36 pm Post subject: Re: Hard Start Relay Help

Any chance a start relay kit would ensure my Van starts every time? I'm planning on my 85 Vanagon being a daily driver and would like to not get stranded in the city or in the middle of nowhere. On a few posts I've seen people mentioning installing one of these as a list of priorities when getting a Vanagon. My Van doesnt start intermittently and sometimes wont start if it dies after it stalls at idle. Haven't found conclusive evidence that these kits will help. Only seen them used for hot start issues. Could anyone provide me some info? Thanks!

Swellchaser · Posted: Thu Aug 30, 2012 12:24 am Post subject:

Installed mine today. Didn't need to extend the wires. Mounted it in the engine bay and ran everything to the starter. Now ready for a long warm ride to test it out Smile

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1980 Westfalia

randywebb · Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2012 3:02 pm Post subject:

what causes the hot start problem?

does the cable heat up, changing the resistivity, or what?
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1986 2.1L Westy 2wd Auto Trans.

peaceful warrior · Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 11:32 am Post subject:

crazyvwvanman · Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 11:17 am Post subject:

Just the vans with the ignition switch up front and the engine/tranny/starter in the rear have such a propensity to benefit from the relay kits.

Mark

randywebb · Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 10:54 am Post subject:

related question: do only the early Vans have hot start problems needing a relay, or do the 1986-later ones have the same problem?
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1986 2.1L Westy 2wd Auto Trans.

Swellchaser · Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 8:27 am Post subject:

That's funny, I was JUST looking at your site. Very nice! I Should of bought your relay instead. The one I have is all plastic (even the mounting bracket) and the wires don't seem to be that thick at all.

Thanks
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1980 Westfalia

thatvwbusguy · Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 8:17 am Post subject:

That is definitely a universal relay pigtail, but it should still work. See if you can find a place on the forward wall of the engine bay that will allow the wires to reach the starter. There are some photos of the connections on my website here:

https://sites.google.com/site/vanagonheadlightrela...all-photos
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Jay Brown
'85 Zetec Westfalia
Newmarket, NH

If you want others to be happy, practice compassion.
If you want to be happy, practice compassion.

Swellchaser · Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 7:57 am Post subject:

This is the exact product I received/purchased

http://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=C13-17-2917

It appears to be a universal relay. The wires are 15inchs long
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1980 Westfalia

thatvwbusguy · Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2012 10:07 pm Post subject:

The original hard start relay is the Bosch WR1. The wires on the WR1 or any other normal VW hard start relay should be at least 20"-24". Are you sure they sent you the right part? If you can post a photo of your relay I can confirm what you have and help you through the rest of the install.
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Jay Brown
'85 Zetec Westfalia
Newmarket, NH

If you want others to be happy, practice compassion.
If you want to be happy, practice compassion.

peaceful warrior · Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2012 4:26 pm Post subject:

I mounted mine on the side of the engine bay, just to the right of where Ahwahnee mounted his, just in front of the air cleaner box.....lot's of room and easy wiring from there.
_________________
"Two things are infinite: The universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe." Albert Einstein
"Notchboy" says "Man up!"
"Tram" says " My bus is bigger than your bus."
66 13W Deluxe, 68 Westfalia, 87 Syncro.
TOOB Member #15
Brian

Swellchaser · Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2012 4:24 pm Post subject:

To access mine I have to go under the vehicle. 1980 Westfalia
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1980 Westfalia

Ahwahnee · Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2012 4:22 pm Post subject:

Timwhy · Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2012 3:33 pm Post subject:

Swellchaser · Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2012 3:23 pm Post subject:

Thanks,

My starter/solenoid is located underneath the van, aligned with the rear wheels. It's looking like I will have to mount it in that area.

Is there any difference between "hard start" and "Hot Start" relay?
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1980 Westfalia

chimivee · Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2012 3:16 pm Post subject:

Mount in the engine bay. No need to extend wires - connect to the battery by attaching to the big terminal (#30 I think) on the starter.
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-James
86 Syncro Westy, etc

Ahwahnee · Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2012 3:07 pm Post subject:

Here's where I mounted mine on an 84 (that thing with a 'B' on it):

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

I did not use that kit so can't comment specifically, but you may well need longer wires than were provided.

Swellchaser · Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2012 2:38 pm Post subject: Hard Start Relay Help

I purchased the Hard Start Relay Kit from CIP1 and I am a bit confused with the install. http://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=C13-17-2917

The instructions says "Choose a mounting point for the relay close to starter and mount the relay..."

The length of wire on the kit is only about 1 foot, but the starter location is towards the rear of the vehicle. Am I supposed to extend all the wires? The rest of the connections are at the batter terminal

The "hard start" kit is also for "hot starts" correct?
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1980 Westfalia


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