Starter motor or switch ?

[Steve T]

Hi all
Consensus of opinion please

It is 1983 1.9 DG water cooled petrol 45000 miles

Been out today to sort out starting problem that has got worse, when turning the key into start mode the engine fires up 7 out of 10 times

Symptoms are loud click from starter motor, engine won't turn. This is solenoid I guess. On next attempt turn the key to start mode while pushing down on key while giving the key a little wiggle engine starts, is this me thinking it makes it start?

Took starter motor off, renewed olite bush, cleaned mating surfaces of starter and bell housing, and cleaned all terminals & connectors. While under the van took off earth strap chassis to gearbox, checked, and cleaned battery terminals, earth points and all connectors. New battery in tip top condition so that is ok

Last time I this around a year ago I did notice the rear bearing of the starter motor sloppy, general condition is a bit shabby and worn and wonder if it is just past it best. After writing this I have convinced myself it is the motor.
Is this my problem or is it at the key / ignition starter?

Is there any way apart from renewing either component's to prove beyond doubt?
I have just enquired about an exchange starter and it is around £100 (ouch)
Thanks in advance
Steve

[ermie571]

Steve,

no expert, but you could try NOT wiggling the key and still see if it starts 7 out of 10 times...

Also, if switch, wd40 could help - a tip I was given to both clean and lubricate and help the connection get made. If that helps with no wiggle....then a £10 switch cheaper than a starter!

Good luck.

Em
xx

[Steve T]

Thanks, first thing i did was wd40 it no better, just taken the starter off and going to strip it down and check it

[big red bus]

For the cost why not just replace ignition switch first. 20+ years old

[Steve T]

I have stripped down the starter and found the rear bush in the end cover (brush end) to be sloppy this would have the same effect as the olite bush being worn I guess, the armature is a little scratched where it has rubbed on the armature housing. It's a shame the rear bush is not the same size as the olite bush for the bell housing. Perhaps I will try and get a replacement if available, have found it on the vagcat site 049911257A and will try local VW garage on the off chance or phone GSF. The shafts of the armature look OK and not worn as the olite bushes should wear first, shouldn't they?
The armature end that the brushes engage with looks quite shiny and clean but looks quite worn
The solenoid was dragging in and out due to dustified / dry lubrication and looks a bit scuffed in places. Bench tested now and the solenoid is working ok, as far as I can tell. its only a ten minute job to get in or out so will stick it back on and try it after rear bush replaced if i can get hold of one.
Have just ordered an ignition starter switch for future use / use / I can just pull multi plug of back of switch and try. Luckily don't need the van till next week for hols