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starter is labouring when hot
Posted: 04 Sep 2012, 12:04
by timwatson
hi guys
i have a t3 2lt Aircooled 1981
when i drive it for about half an hour then stop and try to restart it is very slow and labouring
the battery is fully charged
any advise is very welcome
many thanks
tim
Re: starter is labouring when hot
Posted: 04 Sep 2012, 13:03
by cosmicsheep
I have the same issue... i was told it might be the starter bush. Haven't gotten round to changing mine yet, so can't give you a definitive answer but i'm pretty sure someone else will

Re: starter is labouring when hot
Posted: 04 Sep 2012, 13:31
by timwatson
thanks steph i have read a few threads which point to this and have just ordered it so i will update when fitted
many thanks
tim
Re: starter is labouring when hot
Posted: 04 Sep 2012, 14:47
by cosmicsheep
I'll be interested to know how you get on. It's on my "ToDo" list but i've taken to the habit of filling up with fuel while cold, avoiding the need to start up again when hot

Re: starter is labouring when hot
Posted: 04 Sep 2012, 15:21
by timwatson
mine isnt that bad(yet) after about 4-5 mins it will start no probs but i dont want it to get any worse.
my to-do list was huge then i worked through the lot and cleared it (sort of)
now its growing by the day but all silly things that are bugging me.
Re: starter is labouring when hot
Posted: 04 Sep 2012, 17:54
by bicolour
i also have this and just in the process of buying a hot start relay for £7.50 its gotta be worth ago??
Re: starter is labouring when hot
Posted: 04 Sep 2012, 18:38
by timwatson
hi bicolour
i have a hot start relay and they do make it turn over a bit faster (or maybe i want it to so it seems to)
but it still struggles when hot so i think this is the next step on a long steep road.
will keep you all informed.
i love my van but its a love hate relationship.
Re: starter is labouring when hot
Posted: 05 Sep 2012, 18:18
by bicolour
i think i will follow the ignition wires then and give all connectors a good clean may even replace the wire
Re: starter is labouring when hot
Posted: 05 Sep 2012, 19:17
by timwatson
going to do the same tomorrow
Re: starter is labouring when hot
Posted: 07 Sep 2012, 16:01
by timwatson
right i removed the starter motor, one bolt underneath van the other underneath the air box in engine bay. and took out the bush with a tap and a small ratchet and socket i just wound it in carefully checking in the mirror until the bush came out.then used the top starter bolt by winding the nut down the thread then put the bush on the thread and locate in hole and tap it carefully in.if you wind the nut down to the length of the bush when tapping back in you wont go to far (not that you can)
put all back together.
then cleaned all connections and earthy strap
reconnected the battery and starts great
start stop start stop as many times as needed starter seems to spin much better
then when i got home i stopped and restarted with a little hesitation but no where near as much as before.
i have just bought a second hand starter motor and when it arrives im going to put that on just to make sure
worth doing as its inexpensive and it makes a big difference.
Re: starter is labouring when hot
Posted: 07 Sep 2012, 19:27
by cosmicsheep
Thanks for the update. Might get my hands dirty this weekend

Re: starter is labouring when hot
Posted: 08 Sep 2012, 14:54
by cosmicsheep
Well i've managed to get the old bush out (in about a million pieces) and cleaned up the housing, but can i get the new one in???
It's in the freezer now, hopefully shrinking enough for me to get it in.
Any tips?
Re: starter is labouring when hot
Posted: 08 Sep 2012, 14:55
by cosmicsheep
Oh wait.... just re-read your post about winding bolt down the top screw.... i'l try that once it's sufficiently chilled
Sorted.... top tip
Starter spins at least 1000x faster now!!!