Club 80-90 Forums

So I'm about to replace the starter-batery cable but I've fallen at the first hurdle; I can't get the nut off the starter motor end. It turns freely a fraction of a turn then stops and rebounds back to starting position. The battery cable terminal turns with the nut as though they're stuck together and it looks/feels like the rubber(?) boot of the alternator-starter cable is hitting something stopping a full turn of the nut (the alternator cable also turns with the battery cable and the nut).

Probably haven't explained it very well but here's a picture



If it's a case of the nut seized to the battery cable terminal a bit of force might free it, but I've been a bit reluctant to hit it too hard so far. Anyone got any suggestions?

Many thanks

Try stopping the starter cable turning with the nut.

Thanks bigherb, guess I'll have to apply a bit more force than I have been. Reckon I can get the end of a breaker bar wedged under the starter cable while I turn the nut

Be careful. Snapped mine today [PERSEVERING FACE]

Yup ^^^^^ stop the cable from turning otherwise you'll snap off a chunk of the plastic solenoid end cap...
There is a split washer behind the 8mm nut that bites into the cable, they are often initially tight to crack...completely silly question but you have disconnected the battery haven't you?

Martin

george2490 wrote:Be careful. Snapped mine today [PERSEVERING FACE]

Yup, that's what I'm worried about

*edited to add - which part snapped George, and is it easily replaced? Good Luck!

California Dreamin wrote:Yup ^^^^^ stop the cable from turning otherwise you'll snap off a chunk of the plastic solenoid end cap...
There is a split washer behind the 8mm nut that bites into the cable, they are often initially tight to crack...just needs completely silly question but you have disconnected the battery haven't you?

Martin

Thanks Martin, all advice welcomed - the battery's in the house awaiting a good charging

And if you do break your solenoid, replace just your solenoid, not your whole starter. I got great service from JCR Supplies Auto Electrical Parts. Phone them, and have a bosch part no for your solenoid ready, their system didn't recognise a VW part no.

UPDATE 18/2 Going to have to contact JCR as the solenoid I got has died. Much push starting yesterday while at work...