| Author |
Message |
windfish
Samba Member
Joined: September 05, 2012
Posts: 1126
Location: NC
|
 Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2014 2:10 pm Post subject: Odd starting problem |
 |
|
Got an odd problem occasionally when starting my '70 bug (with a '71 engine), happens about once every twenty times I go to start it in the morning -- hasn't happened when I go to leave from work or after short stops etc.
It tries to start, but it sounds like the starter gets stuck. Almost like it doesn't have enough battery to turn the engine over. But if you try it a few more times, pausing briefly between each, it'll start no problem.
Engine got a new standard flywheel from Chirco and a remanufactured Bosch starter from RockAuto before it was installed ~ six months ago.
Battery is about a year old DieHard, ground strap and wires replaced when installed.
Doesn't appear to be a big deal, once started the car runs fine and it usually doesn't happen again for a few weeks (using the bug as a commuter atm).
Ideas?
I'm leaning towards the starter being a bit on the crappy side, but when it works (which is the vast majority of the time) 's fine.
I've read about the hard start relay fix and plan to put one in if just to take some strain off the ignition, but given the solenoid appears to engage I'm wondering if it would help in this case. |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
jwp67
Samba Member
Joined: February 12, 2012
Posts: 657
|
| Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2014 3:32 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Did you check and or replace the starter bushing when you replaced the starter? How old is the battery? Mine would hold a charge but lost the cranking amps. Also old brittle wires can build up resistance making it hard to start (I have read). |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Luft kühl
Samba Member
Joined: January 21, 2009
Posts: 1178
Location: Allentown, PA
|
| Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2014 3:35 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| The problem is most likely to be the two high current contacts within the starter solenoid itself. If this intermittent problem really bothers you, take the solenoid apart and clean up these contact surfaces. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
windfish
Samba Member
Joined: September 05, 2012
Posts: 1126
Location: NC
|
| Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2014 4:01 pm Post subject: |
|
|
jwp - Yep, new starter bushing came with the starter.
Battery is only a year old and as the headlights, radio, etc all work fine I'm fairly sure it's alright -- that, and when it decides to start it sounds normal. Wires on this end are brand new, though the cable that carries the signal from the key is (afaik) original.
Luft - Thanks, I'll check on the solenoid.
Problem doesn't really bother me atm, but I would like to figure out what it is so when it fails in the future I can fix it quickly.
Cheers. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Eric&Barb
Samba Member
Joined: September 19, 2004
Posts: 24764
Location: Olympia Wash Rinse & Repeat
|
| Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2014 6:51 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Clean BOTH ends of BOTH battery cables and do same with transaxle to body ground cable. Replace any cable that you have any doubt about, especially any battery cable with the quick fix clamp on end of cable battery clamp.
_________________
In Stereo, Where Available! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Harleyelf
Samba Member
Joined: April 23, 2009
Posts: 1572
Location: Appleton, WI
|
| Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2014 10:46 pm Post subject: |
|
|
There might be some foreign matter or deformed gear teeth in one area of the flywheel. Pull the starter and spark plugs out and slowly rotate the engine while cleaning each tooth with a toothbrush and some solvent.
Happening only every twentieth time is the reason I think this is possible. Electric issues tend to happen at random or consistently. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
