another starter problem

Here's the place to come to post when you have questions relating to technical issues or mechanical questions on the 1966 model year.

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stevoidnic
Member
Posts: 14
Joined: Mon Apr 15, 2013 8:39 am

another starter problem

Post by stevoidnic »

I have a 6 volt '66 and the starter has always woked fine but I began to have issues last year. This year the solenoid will engage and the starter will slowly turn a very little bit and after 3 tries I have to charge the battery. I pulled the starter and had it checked at a starter repair shop and it checked okay. I also replaced the bushing. I had the battery testedand it is good. I ran a jumper cable from the starter mounting bolt to the neg. battery terminal to see if it was a bad ground typical in VW's. No change Any ideas
hercdriver
Senior Member
Posts: 154
Joined: Sun Sep 30, 2012 7:55 am
Location: Beaver, PA

Post by hercdriver »

stevoidnic wrote: I had the battery tested and it is good.
Are you sure that it's not a weak battery? I know that you had it tested, but it may not be producing enough cranking amps. Some batteries when new will not be strong enough, due to resistance in the system.

I had slow cranking and difficulty starting before I bought a 6 volt redtop Optima battery. They aren't cheap, but they don't leak and crank well. I've had mine for 4 years with no problems.

Also check all connections for corrosion and fit. I like to use dielectric grease on these points to prevent corrosion.
stevoidnic
Member
Posts: 14
Joined: Mon Apr 15, 2013 8:39 am

Post by stevoidnic »

Thanks,
I checked with the starter repair guy and he said it was probably the battery. According to him, the 6 volt batteries they are producing these days only last about 4 years especially if they are stored in an unheated barn during a Vermont winter.
I bought a new battery yesterday and it started up with no problems.
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