Starter motor experience

[bootie3367]

Chaps and chapesses, need some advice from people experienced with starter motor problems.
I would rather not delve underneath without at least and idea that I can fix this problem.
So , the problem..... the starter does not do anything!
Yesterday, I screwed in the knob that gives me power, you know one of those quick disconnect gizmos, she started fine, no funny noises from the starter, just a few turns and the little TD was happily banging away. Went for a good drive with a couple of stops along the way, again, no problems starting, no strange noises.
Today................. well at first I thought the battery had drained overnight, checked voltage and showed 12.54, plenty to start this little engine, took out the quick disconnect and reverted to standard connection, still no joy. I did notice that the glow plug light went out as soon as the key was turned to the start position.
Had the engine cover off and tried to listen for a click or something that might indicate a sticky solenoid, but I could hear nothing.
Better half not around to turn the key for me with me in the engine bay!
So, the question I have, has this happened to anyone else, if so what (apart from a new starter) was the solution?
Of course, I will take any advice from the learned members on here. I realise I will probably have to remove the offending article at some stage but would rather repair (if possible) than replace.
Battery is on charge just in case but I really don't think that is the problem ( I could be wrong and I stand or sit to be corrected)
If anyone has part numbers for things like the solenoid that would be helpful along with any other tech info about the starter, I have a couple of reasonably good GM starters sitting in my garage which might yield a spare part or two.
Can't do much tonight, got to prep the second car now, tarmac rally time trials just to the north of the village tomorrow and I'm designated chauffer for a couple of the older chaps that wish to view the event (now without refreshment facilities!)

TIA
Jon

[Smcknighty]

Could be the ignition switch? It's test and find out unfortunately. Test to see if you get power to the solenoid?

[Smcknighty]

And if it's the switch you could possibly hot wire it!

[bootie3367]

Never thought about the ignition, thanks for that. No time now, maybe on Monday.

[slowcoach]

Never thought about the ignition, thanks for that. No time now, maybe on Monday.

I've replaced 3 of the switches in 7 years.. Rubbish! worth ruling out for sure

[CovKid]

I think part of the reason the switch fails is that in most cases its carrying more current than it should be. A rethink and one or two relays would sort that although I'm loath to introduce more components on my own vehicle that may just affect reliability long term. Its probably simpler to just swap the switch out and keep a spare - if that is indeed the cause. The mostly likely culprit on a seemingly 'dead' starter is the trigger wire - at either end.

[bootie3367]

Many thanks for the info.
Busy today watching tarmac rally up in the mountains by us.
Tomorrow will be polishing out a friend's parking scrape for them.
Hopefully I can find some time for this small problem.

[bootie3367]

Today I actually managed to spend some time on the van!
Tested the continuity and resistance from the ignition to the solenoid, the black and red rather large wire, at the 200 setting I get a resistance of 0.4, any other setting on the DMM is 0. This might be because I used a long length of household 2 core wire to get from front to back?!
So not being a wizz kid with electricals, is this good?
Had a look at the ignition side of the connections and all seemed to be fine, terminals are clean, no sign of any burning/scorching/melting.
When I got underneath to feel the terminals on the solenoid, the 'trigger wire?' seemed to come of it's terminal far too easily, just wondering if this is the problem?
Taking the starter motor off would appear to be an all day job for me, likewise changing the ignition barrel, reasonably competent enough to drill the 3mm hole but really don't fancy it that much. Surely there has to be a better way than that!
Did VW in their infinite wisdom intend the ignition switch barrel to last the life of the vehicle?
What I will do is clean up as much as I can any and all terminals then put it all back together, fit the battery and see if there is any joy.

[CovKid]

If trigger wire came off esaily it may have been barely making a connection. It should be a very snug fit. Encountered this probably hundred of times since the late 70s. On most other vehicles, this terminal has a small nut and bolt to secure it. Fit a brand new connector and hopefully all will be well.

[bootie3367]

Hah, success.
Looks like it was the trigger wire! Just compressed the arms a bit to make sure it was a tight fit. Fitted by feel rather than sight but seems to be good, gave a tug on the cable and it stayed put.
Didn't fancy putting a new terminal on, especially as the plastic casing and securing tab was in such good nick, not sure if the securing tab actually locked in place, couldn't feel that very well!
Thanks for the advice on that.
Back on the road again

[CovKid]

Just be careful as although you've crushed it down, they tend to go brittle and can sometimes part company later on.

[bootie3367]

Yep will do, at least I now know what to look for if it happens again!
Ta very much