Club 80-90 Forums

I've been looking at a 1981 2.0 Aircooled camper today as a potential purchase, the owner pointed out something strange when starting. When the key is turned to the start position the engine turns over but then it sounds like the battery is going flat and that it is barely turning over but when the key is released the engine bursts into life. Any ideas what could be causing this?

no expert, but electrical?

Just guessing, but is the ignition switch warn and not making proper contacts until the key moves slightly?

or, its a VW?

Did you get it?

Em
x

Sounds like ignition not getting any or enough volt/amp while starter is running.

Could be many things:
Low battery, starter pulling more amps then it should, ignition/starter switch, cap/rotor/plugs, etc.

Starter bushing and/or brushes.
Ignition switch not contacting as it should on start position.
Excessive plug gap.


Could be any or a combination of above.

Hi just to add my 2 pennorth

I had the same prob and it was cured when I changed the earth strap to the battery

I had this same problem too, just cleaned the connections (nut and stud)on the starter motor and covered in grease.

Thanks for all the ideas for fixing the problem, I still have not decided yet
whether I'm going to buy ( actually a straight swop for my Beetle ) this camper yet.