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Slow Starter Motor

Posted: 17 Feb 2011, 18:24
by TeamSid
When starting my 2.1 Caravelle the engine turns over really slowly for the first revolution maybe, as if the battery is nearly dead then it will spin over as normal and starts almost instantly. I removed the starter to check it over and give the terminals a good clean and found that the shaft(?) in the motor has a fair bit of side play, more than I would have expected. Could this contribute to my slow starting? The battery is in good condition and the engine has no tight spots. Many thanks.

Re: Slow Starter Motor

Posted: 17 Feb 2011, 22:34
by getunder
If I had a Penny for everytime my van and its predecessor did this despite everything I would be rich. Its in the Genes and you have to learn to live with it. p.s. This post might get more answers in the Technical Section under electrical.

Re: Slow Starter Motor

Posted: 17 Feb 2011, 22:36
by getunder
Sorry, it is under Technical. another Senior Moment caused by me lying under my van fixing my reverse switch today and the rush of blood to the head when standing up.

Re: Slow Starter Motor

Posted: 17 Feb 2011, 23:46
by kevtherev
Mine does it... I ain't bothered

Re: Slow Starter Motor

Posted: 17 Feb 2011, 23:48
by REGGAJ
Mine does it too :ok

Re: Slow Starter Motor

Posted: 18 Feb 2011, 12:50
by TeamSid
Thanks to all. It's reassuring to know that it's probably one of those little quirks rather than a fault.

Re: Slow Starter Motor

Posted: 18 Feb 2011, 13:18
by Ralf85
Mine too sometimes. It was explained to me some time ago that the problem relates to old wiring and the sheer length of wiring from the ignition switch all the way to starter via the battery (particulalry if your battery is at the back). I was shown a wiring diagram showing how to introduce a relay to reduce the length of wiring but decided to leave things well alone and live with this minor glitch.
:wink:

Patrick

Re: Slow Starter Motor

Posted: 18 Feb 2011, 21:15
by TeamSid
I've heard about some sort of relay addition also but if time and money allows I might change the wires......not this week though!

Re: Slow Starter Motor

Posted: 18 Feb 2011, 22:53
by WayneT25
I have this intermittently also. I have been advised that it could be something as simple as checking all the earthing straps from battery to engine - replacing or cleaning should do the trick. Also add another strap from engine to body, might do this first actually.

Once the weather and some free time coincide, could be Juneish, I intend to start with the easy ones and see if that improves the situation. I will let you know if this works.

Re: Slow Starter Motor

Posted: 23 Feb 2011, 21:05
by Scooby
mine used to do it then it would'nt start at all when i was in the middle of the new forest so i had to get a new one and it starts first time every time :ok

Re: Slow Starter Motor

Posted: 07 Jul 2011, 09:39
by tetleysid
My 2.1 wasser boxer does it too and sometimes will not even start when its hot. I am not prepared to accept that its normal as VW could never market them as such so I cleaned all the earths and live conections, removed the starter motor and checked the bushes(OK) set the ignition timing spot on etc but the swine stil does it :(
Looks like a new starter and maybe battery on the horizon methinks :?

Re: Slow Starter Motor

Posted: 10 Jul 2011, 10:42
by mike the van
I had the same problem with my 2.0l CU and it finally gave up, corrosion main issue on the connections, went the route of the 'hot start' relay pretty simple to wire in with a standard 30 amp relay, I rebuilt the solenoid as well, but the relay ensures the full whack of 12 v gets to the solenoid

Try this link

http://www.keithandsylvia.co.uk/tech%20 ... ng_mod.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Mike

Re: Slow Starter Motor

Posted: 10 Jul 2011, 13:18
by jpee
This was happening to my starter. It eventually stopped turning the flywheel. Turned out it was the bell housing bush which needed replaced. Because of the length of the shaft, it does have sideway play, the bush stops this happening.

https://club8090.co.uk/wiki/Pe ... sh_removal" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Re: Slow Starter Motor

Posted: 10 Jul 2011, 20:27
by California Dreamin
Definately second the 'oilight bush' as a possible cause of the 'slow crank' syndrome. Very low cost so as part of your fault ellimination fit a new one tout suite!

Martin.

Re: Slow Starter Motor

Posted: 12 Jul 2011, 19:47
by tetleysid
Anyone got a link to this bellhousing bush please?