AirSpeed VW Community Forums

Technical => Engine Tech Forum => Topic started by: flat4 on October 13, 2004, 10:25:19 PM

Title: Starter Issues
Post by: flat4 on October 13, 2004, 10:25:19 PM

Literally.  I'm having issues starting my beetle, and I'm wondering if anyone has had the same experience.  I've tried changing starters, battery cable, ground cable, and nothing seems to be helping

To turn the motor over by hand, it spin free for about a 1/4 turn, then gets tight, then spins free again.  I'm pretty sure that's each piston building compression.

The odd thing is.  With the old starter (which is now burnt out), it would slowly turn, make a grinding sound along the way, then all of a sudden start turning fast and start.

So the old starter quit, and I changed to a newer (rebuilt) Bosch one. Now it's only a slow turn (about a 1/4) with the grinding sound, and occasionally just a click and no turning at all.  When it's running (push start) there are no problems, and the dipstick/oil comes out clean.  No metal.

I'm wondering if it has anything to do with anyr of the following...

82 mm crank and 5.700 rods

or

the bushing on the end of the starter itself.  I think it's a guide (unsure) into the tranny bellhousing.  Is it 100%necessary?  Perhaps the starter isn't coming out fully, and not getting the contact necessary to spin properly.

or

engine and tranny being bolted together too tight

or

the input shaft of the tranny being too long and bottoming out on the end of the crank

I just don't know, and am running out of ideas...

help!

Title: Starter Issues
Post by: Chris on October 13, 2004, 10:29:18 PM

have you checked the voltage going to the starter? is it good? Bad ground somewhere? Try hooking up a jumper cable to the battery ground then onto the housing of the tranny and see if it helps........ just a thought.

Title: Starter Issues
Post by: Hansk on October 13, 2004, 10:50:47 PM

Yes the bushing IS 100% necassary . NEW one every time you change your starter!!!

Title: Starter Issues
Post by: flat4 on October 14, 2004, 11:21:38 AM

So I've seen the hi torque starters...they don't have the bushing.

Title: Starter Issues
Post by: Trevor P on October 14, 2004, 11:46:29 AM

They are supported by a bushing inside the starter, that's why the PM gear drive starters don't require a bushing on the end of the shaft. Look at an autostick starter...they look similiar at the drive gear end.  

Title: Starter Issues
Post by: flat4 on October 14, 2004, 02:35:43 PM

Could the bushing not be lining up with the hole in the tranny?  Has this ever happened to someone before?

Title: Starter Issues
Post by: Trevor P on October 14, 2004, 04:16:39 PM

If the bushing is worn out or ovaled, then this could be your problem. I have had bushings wear out before, and cause grief. Simple and cheap insurance to always install and new one when in the starter or trans is out.

Title: Starter Issues
Post by: dannyboy on October 14, 2004, 05:39:12 PM

if the bushing is gone or ovaled out, the starter doesnt have anything to guide it onto the flywheel teeth to engage properly, you may have damaged your starter and or flywheel in the process... change the bushing, check your starter teeth when you pull it out, and look into the starter hole at the flywheel while someone turns the motor over and inspect for damage