Club 80-90 Forums

I have posted my saga about taking my van to an auto electrical shop but despite all the things they did at cost to me and the problem kept coming back ie turn the ignition key and nothing happened.
A mate suggested a mobile auto electrician called Gary who is very thorough and solves problems. He checked the connections around the ignition key area first. No problems. We went to the engine bay and I pointed out the hard start relay that had been fitted years ago to assist power to the starter motor. He bypassed it and the engine fired up. A new relay was fitted and problem solved. He advised me that this relay was a good idea but over time they need replacing as the contacts get pitted and stop working. I'm now buying a spare just in case. I'm a happy bunny and mobile again.

Good to hear

I can see the logic of a relay, but this is exactly why I don't have one. Relays are truly wonderful things but the last thing I need is to install something in that circuit that could create potential weaknesses. Its sods law that the first sign of trouble will be in the dark when its pouring with rain. I replaced all the cables and increased their size to help reduce voltage drop. Not had a problem starting since I did that.

That said, relay or no relay, the trigger terminal on these starters is terrible. The spade connector invariably gets corroded or simply falls off. It must be the biggest cause of a non-start. It was on Beetles too.