Club 80-90 Forums

Hi to all ,

New to this VW craze !, Have just bought our first T25 ( Water cooled ) and found out that it has an ignition fault .

Best way to explain its almost like we have flat battery, but it isnt due to the lights on dash dont go out, when you turn the key . Headlights also stay on no dimming of lights as if we had flat battery . All seems well .

If you hold the igntion key turned full ( i.e if started and held in that position, starter motor would be going ape ) but it doesnt , takes a good 5 seconds+ for the Van to start to turn over < hope that makes sense .

We went away this weekend, charged both leisure and main battery before going . did 100 miles so battery nice and charged , stop / starting all day fine, came to come home next day and could only get Van going by jump leading of leisure . ( again still having to hold the ignition key on full turn )

Van has been stood over night and started fine tonight, but again, having to hold the key on full turn .

Anyone any ideas ? I even tried the old hammer knocking the starter motor, thinking it was jammed , it isnt this for sure.

All suggestions greatly received .

Apart from that the wife and I are loving the campervan life style, espec now the kids are to be cool to be seen with mum and dad (LOL)

Cheers E

Start by cleaning up all the contacts on the starter motor and earth points (gearbox) including the battery.... till they shine

If the problem persists then the oilite starter dog bearing (bronze bush) in the bell housing is possibly worn and is seizing

if this is still happening the solenoid on the starter motor is sticking and the motor needs to be replaced in my experience

Thanks for the hints, kev.

Will get on and give that go this weekend, will keep you posted .

Cheers E