Hot Start Problem - What exactly is it?

[RCB]

[Ahwahnee]

I had many desert push-starts in high heat before I worked out a solution - a hot start relay.

Samba member Jay Brown has a hot-start relay kit for your van:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=1066289

I made my own (before I encountered Jay) but for what he charges for the kit -- it's no-brainer.

Lots of other stuff too:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/search.php?username=thatvwbusguy

[ftp2leta]

Crappy rebuilt period and crapy design.

If you want something reliable:

All information here (mid page):
http://westyventures.com/parts.html

Find a used 408/409X for 75$ and voila...

I had it with stock starter

Ben
_________________
Working with rust, grease, dirt and dust is a sad truth.
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FI part for sale: http://www.benplace.com/parts_sale1.htm
My site: http://www.benplace.com/vw2.htm
Subi conversion: http://www.benplace.com/vanaru_eng.htm
Youtube http://www.youtube.com/user/ftp2leta

[mightyart]

[vanagonjr]

My hot start problem was the ignition switch. These are all marginal quality and
It's worth changing the switch as preventative maintenance, even if doesn't solve your problem.
Then I suggest a hot start relay from Jay "thatvwbusguy".

Note, he also sells a headlight relay Kit for the Banagon and offers both as a package deal. That prevents full power through the headlight switch and is well worth it.

https://sites.google.com/site/vanagonheadlightrelays/-the-switch-saver-relay-master-kitty
_________________
John - 86 Wolfsburg Westfalia "Weekender"
Flint reversed 1.8T W/Passat 5-Speed
LiMBO (late model bus club) www.limbobus.org
LiMBO is on Facebook too! https://www.facebook.com/groups/
FAQ thread: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=525798

[Buick Truck guy]

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions. I am going to start with an ignition switch since it is the easiest and least expensive item and then work down the list that I will print off.

Regards,

[pablum]

You can save on shipping if you buy all the parts at once.
_________________
The wise man learns from history, the fool from experience.
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I see [a cat] in the street and i aim for the pest with my car. -- bluebus86

[Buick Truck guy]

"You can save on shipping if you buy all the parts at once. "

I might just do that. Thanks for the suggestion.

[cyclecast]

I finally found the problem on an 85 westy after replacing:
starter
solenoid wiring
ignition switch
battery
battery cables (including long ground with super thick one)

It would start when cold. Then after going somewhere and stopping (like store) wouldn't start back up. Had to wait about 20 minutes. Problem is result of design flaw. When the van is running, the starter gets cooled down with airflow and it might start back up right after shutting off. But after you are stopped for a bit, the starter is sitting right above the engine, and continues to heat up a bit ("heat soak"). While hot, it takes more current to start.
At the same time, the ignition switch runs the FULL current though it instead of using another relay. This wears it out. Those 2 things together cause this problem.

I got a $3 push button switch from O'reilley's that could handle the current. Drilled a hole in the dash. I left the "aux" wires for the key (so you still need the key) on the ignition switch. I routed the starter wires through the push button (instead of turning the key). STARTS EVERY FREAKING TIME. Like a champ. No problems for over a year. I meant to upload this info earlier but forgot.

[Merian]

[cyclecast]

Upgraded the push button with one from billet auto. It has an LED to see at night, can handle the amps. Is more robust and explains it's function. Took a bit for it to arrive from Australia but it was well worth it.

https://billetautomotivebuttons.com/

Posted my schematic changes for this push button and the wiring before tucking it back up under the dash. Van always starts now, it's great.

This mod still requires the key to be in the on position, so it can't be started without the key. Just bypasses putting all the amps through the ignition switch to engage the starter solenoid.