Hi, Most of this time I'm working on the van solo, which is fine. However there comes the odd time, (like now), where I need an extra helper. It's hard to ask friends as often its stolen 5 minutes here and there so by the time anyone comes round the free moment has past. For example, today I needed to be turning the ignition key while laying under the van checking the fuel pump. Does anyone know of a gadget / gizmo or trick, (other than gadget arms), to turn the engine over remotely so you can be under the van / wielding a volt meter etc?
Wire up a couple of stout wires to a pushbutton switch, and stick crocodile clips on the ends. Connect one to the main terminal on the back of the starter motor, the other to the starter solenoid terminal. Ignition on, press button. Tadaaa! If you don't want the engine to start, pull the (green) contact breaker lead off the coil. Tip: remember to take the van out of gear before pressing the button.
The odd bit of help isn't to much to expect is it, will men do pay a licence fee when we marry them after all.
The starting method I inherited with the Beetle was "He used to go round the back and do something". In "the back" there was a thick red loose wire. The battery is under the seat so the best +ve is on the dynamo. Dab it on, tweak the carb - you can do it all back there. I was all for leaving it like that, but the ex wasn't so keen.
if your under the van checking the fuel pump its right next to the starter so with it in neutral and ing on short the main starter pin and the solenoid terminal with a screwdriver. or if your posh http://www.frost.co.uk/remote-starter.html