Anyone know anything about what batteries are man enough? Gutted that it’s just the same after recaligning it and fitting new bush. just recharged the battery. Two attempts and cranked really, really slow and didn’t start. 3rd attempt it flies round and starts straight away every time after! battery measured 12.4v before I charged it
I do. Never really like this method - usually ends like a scene from Frankincense, getting too hot etc. Probably cheapish jump leads the cause. Plus it can behave itself too often so would be hard to diagnose
How about worn bushes in the starter motor commutator. If it's intermittent and battery voltage suspect then with the motor stopping in a "blind" spot it could be the cause of the problem. Just musing.....
That is the picture I have in my mind - the brushes stopping in a blind spot. But because I cannot really find anyone saying this on the web or LB it makes me doubt a little
If it is the motor, likely to be worn brushes, filthy commutator or open-circuit windings. A recon or new motor will fix it, but try with a spare battery first.
Well that leads’s going back! @77 Westy if I fit the Powerlite looks like the battery positive will be one of the leads that needs lengthening. Did you buy a new longer lead, or did you somehow add to your existing? originals appear to be 138mm
The battery (and alternator) lead was long enough but if it had been too short I would have replaced it and not tried to lengthen it.
If your batt lead was similar to the ones VWH sell, then yes, it will be too short . Don’t try lengthening it - if your “lengthener” comes undone, you’ll likely have a nice loom fire. Best to get one made up (or make one up yourself if you’ve got the kit).
Info on Coolair says " fits all VW Baywindows" ... I thought automatic gearboxes needed a different starter motor.
Thanks for that. Unfortunately bought one from them on Sunday at £194. Still good price, but could have been 10% nicer should be in transit now
A new battery is a lot cheaper, as is stealing one out of a daily runner for a try out. You should have checked the voltage across that battery when its cranking. If it drops below about 10 volts its too knackered for the stock starter. An easier test than taking it to a shop and getting them to test it although they would have just sucked their teeth and pointed you at a new battery anyway. Buying a more powerful starter motor will clobber the battery harder, if the problem is not really the starter as power comes from ... drum roll ... the battery !! An ordinary recon will spin a 1600 fast enough, like they have done for the last 60 years or so.. And if there is actually a near-siezed condition in the engine where metal-on metal rubbing stops once theres a bit of oil pressure on the engine after it has cranked a few times, then the big starter just hides the problem.
