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Starter Motor Removal
matara - August 18th, 2004 at 11:23 AM

Went to start the splitty this morning, and I think the starter motor or solenoid has given up the ghost! Battery seems fine, and jumping it didnt help.

I have a spare 12v starter, but can anyone tell me how difficult is it to remove the starter on a split (or beetle) with the motor intact? I would think that it would be tricky disconnecting everything and getting a socket to the bolt, but can it be done?

Thanks

Steve

HotRodMatt - August 18th, 2004 at 11:25 AM

Takes a bit of stretching but it can be done!

VWFREAK - August 18th, 2004 at 11:41 AM

Easy job, just a couple of bolts and wires.

vw54 - August 18th, 2004 at 12:02 PM

Steve

disconnect the battery first

Undo the 17mm nut inside the engine compartment, hopefully you have a starter that locks the bolt onto it using the head

then undo the 13mm nut on the battery cable at back of starter

then remove the push on ignition wire on soloide

lastly undo the lower 17mm nut and the starter will pull out.

Easy while your laying on yr back especially in a Kombi with extra ground clearance.

1303Steve - August 18th, 2004 at 12:24 PM

Hi Steve

Make sure the smaller wire on the solenoid is connected, it just pushes on and often falls off. Check this 1st before pulling it out.

1302Steve

Bugged Again - August 18th, 2004 at 01:00 PM

bit of gymnastics required and the engine bolt can be a bugger to get out.
Obviously do it when the motor is cold

vw54 - August 18th, 2004 at 05:03 PM

Quote:

Make sure the smaller wire on the solenoid is connected



Yep first thing to check but you have to get under the car to do so

Kafer Lover - August 18th, 2004 at 09:01 PM

If jump starting didn't help, wouldn't that mean that the starter isn't the problem?

John Muirs book how to keep your vw alive has a very good description of how to test if its the solenoid or starter (or ignition switch) that is at fault, without taking it out of the car, if you can get hold of a copy.

matara - August 18th, 2004 at 09:53 PM

thanks all,

The starter was a bit lazy starting it the day before and I thought it may be a duff battery!

When the rain stops I will crawl under and have a go.

Hey Steve1302 should you be Steve1303 now?

Steve

1303Steve - August 18th, 2004 at 10:18 PM

Hi Steve

When you get under the car take a test light with you, get someone to try to start the car, making sure its out of gear and test for power at the little push on terminal and battery power at the bolt on terminal. Use the test light to make sure its fully bright when cranking at the bolt on terminal and also you can make sure your getting a good earth from the chassis to the tranny.

I will have to have a word to a forum guru about changing my user name.

1302or3Steve

Che Castro - August 18th, 2004 at 11:12 PM

watch out when ur under the car that the starter doesnt fall on you! Its pretty darn heavy!