Bugger. I've dropped my starter bush in engine

Some good news that i got my wheels back yesterday and they are great - this time

 

That doesn't look terribly conductive to me

 

Well i have had a frustrating 24 hrs , daughter in labor now for over 24 hours with my first grandchild
The van still has issues with starting but i think i may now understand why and need confirmation and advise regarding best course of action

I have soldered an new terminal to the 12 volt live feed to the starter , i have established that theat full length of cable needs replacing it looks aged and deteriorating , 46inch is its length and it has a "splice" to the split charger that is just wrong even to look at


However with all the cleaning and tightening and research i have done the starter is still hit and miss
I have researched and read about the hot start relay that people rave about , but there is also a strong contingent who say it isn't a cure for the fault , its like papering over the cracks.
I believe my best option without papering over the cracks would be to run a new wire from ignition to the starter solenoid as my un skilled electricians brain has concluded.

I have used the above pictured remote starter on the starter as advised and the starter turns over every single time nice and strong(with exception of fattening the battery)indicating a fault in cable from ignition to starter

i believes this may mean the wire from ignition may have lost some resistance(as if i know what i am on about ) plus the battery isn't a starter battery i believe its really just a leisure battery - but Ive got away with it for 5 years now as a starter battery.

so what do people thing of as my best option - i believe

1) run a new wire fro ignition to starter - this is the primary problem.
2) get a new more suitable battery - just because i really need the correct one.
3) replace cable from battery positive to starter cable (cause its knackered)

or

1a) fit a hot start relay possibly the easiest option but i don't relay want to paper over the cracks- i want to solve the problem correctly.

so
What size cable do i need for option 1) above
Whats the best battery for option 2) above
or
and is it advisable to do both 1) and 1a) above - if in fact its possible

hope the above is clear
thanks for advice

 

The relay doesn't paper over the cracks. It just fixes a design fault that VW should have dealt with. The relay coil current's only going to be about 100mA, which even the crappiest ignition switch/cable should be able to manage.

 

mmmmmmmm, this electricity measurements of thing is beyond my comprehension , i understand a live wire and earth and if you turn it on and it works then things are OK but after that i am a bit lost. As above though there seems as many opposed to the relay saying its not a repair , as there are saying its not a bodge is a redesign and a fix ?
i am open to all advise especially from this forum and from people who have had the same issues and how they resolved it.

 

I think of the hot start relay fix as a way to ease the stress on aging parts and make their later years less stressful a bit like a stairlift

 

I would try relay and if doesn't work then need to look elsewhere for the problem

 

^this. A relay costs a fiver.

I fitted one, even though I've got a new starter.

 

I've order an empi hot start kit fro eBay that just happened to be ending as I looked for one.
Should be here today hopefully
New tyres fitted on wheels ready for collection .

 

Just as you think things are ok . The muck hit the fan.
Having had my starter refurbished a new bush and all wires cleaned and refitted . I fitted an empi hard start relay and all was fine.
Just note that when all was old and decrepid I never had a hot start issue.
Now on Sunday on way home I stopped for a break and once I returned to the van half an hour later it wouldn't start . It turned over but as if the battery was almost flat. I changed it for the leisure battery but no improvement . I managed to tow it off and it started almost immediately .
Next morning it turned over as if nothing had ever been wrong . The main battery gives a reading of 12.49 volts .I plugged it to a charger and it didn't need any charging .
On another thread I have asked about a suitable new battery as my current main battery is marked up as a leisure battery but it's worked for 5 plus yes no issues
Is it really time for a new battery ; the one I've decided on is £109 at Halfords based on advice given . I was going to get one when they next have their sale on
Or any other ideas ?
One last thing is that I think possibly a new earth lead is in order however it is very clean and tightly connected

 

Have you checked that the 6mm wire to the solenoid,(its red) is a VERY good fit. This is a symptom of a loose connection to the solenoid spade connector. Also a Bosch silver battery from GSF will be a lot less than £109 with the weekend discount. The Bosch Silver batteries last for ages.

 

http://www.carparts4less.co.uk/cp4l...202wvntPhtGwRsA6ZXm56vyfYtzCZ7ShoCEOEQAvD_BwE

Free shipping too

 

Hi
I've checked all connectiona and all appear ok. I've nipped up things again but nothing wanted to go any tighter .
The battery link looks a good deal but a code in a email ran out yesterday (bugger) I will see if I get another email ftom them in next few days

 

As you have changed the starting system, this is a bit strange.

 

well these came yesterday. Not as good a quality as I was hoping but not terrible either my all new earth and live cables. Fitted them today and to be honest I can't tell any difference it turns over and starts just the same . I haven't had chance to go out for a ride and get things heated up so I don't know if the hot start issue remains .
Turned it over and over , started every time but the battery does seem to loose a lot of bite . Definatly time to get a new one

 

Because they have a 15 percent bank holiday discount I ordered the next size up . Thanks for the tip should be here Wednesday

 

Well , this is a complete mystery to me now, having had the starter refurbished, all new cables , a hot start relay fitted and a brand new battery i have to report that after doing about 80 miles towards busfest on Friday , i stopped for a break , forgetting about my possible hot start issues. went back to the van and it just would not turn over , i sounded like a very very flat battery , and would not put any life into the engine.
Traveling in convoy i was able to get a tow rope start and it started within a couple of feet. i am at an end to my list of things to try with the exception of a new ignition switch. i bought one a couple of years back when compiling a list of cheap new replacement parts but never fitted it.
i cant be arsed to change it as i understand its a fiddly job and its turning cold, it may be a thing to try at techenders in a few weeks

when turning over cold it starts at lightening speed and ease, its so frustrating .

 

What year is your bus?

Later bays do not have the wires soldered to the ignition switch.
They use a multiplug that pushes into the ignition switch.
You can reach into the plastic steering column shroud and pull the multiplug off then plug in your new ignition switch
Use a flat bladed screwdriver to turn the switch and start the engine
You can run it like this for a while to see if it cures your problem.
Just remember you still need the key in the ignition barrel to release the steering lock.

 

Replace the ignition switch. It won't take too long and will give you piece of mind that everything is new.

 

My van is L reg 1973 , it doesn't have a plastic shroud, i think its cast ally. i will locate the new lock though and put it in the van ready to fit if i can get to techenders

Ive had enough messing with it for the moment , basically its cold and throwing it down and i have to work outdoors as i don't have room to open the doors when its parked on my driveway , i need to remove the steering wheel as well as its out by about 2 hours , i think its a two birds with one stone scenario when i get to it , possibly on Sunday as i am off to the Doncaster vw show for the day on Saturday and Huddersfield auto jumble Sunday morning so i have a bit of a plan and your idea seems to fit in well.

i will also try fit new drivers side seat-belt whilst i am at techenders, done the passengers side already.