Hi all,
The patient (69 bug) has been fairly good mechanically but recently making a few interesting noises when starting. Occasionally I just get a 'click' instead of cranking, and then if I restart it goes OK. Now I get an occasional slow crank, but instead of being definate 'rrr-rrr-rrr' it more flows into eachother and doesn't sound good.

This morning sounded pretty bad. Often it starts normally and runs fine after ignition all the time, just the starting that is sounding a bit crook sometimes.

Using my (very) limited knowledge of these beasties I'm gonna assume either the starter motor or battery, however reluctant to choose the battery first as it often starts OK and I've had no other indications of battery problems.

I also remember having the 'click' on my Falcon years ago and it was the starter motor, having the start it on more than a few occasions by shorting two terminals out with my 'Club' steering lock.

So......advice please, am I looking in the right area? Would you bet on the starter motor? How expensive are these beasties and can a gumby fit them?

I notice someone wrecking a '69 in the parts folder, maybe I need to buy the starter from it.....

it ya starter dude, bout $150 reco

Sounds like what happened to my starter. In the morning it sounded a bit sluggish, getting slower each extra time I tried to start the car. After about 5 starts it would only give me a click.

Make sure all the connections are absolutely clean - polish under the battery straps connections next to the battery and also the strap between the chassis and front of the gearbox.. take this strap off and polish with a wire brush plus where the strap touched the chassis.. A LOT of current has to flow to the starter motor... plus a lot of force on the brass bush where the starter motor sits... pull the starter motor off and replace the bush if its worn or grease it with lithium based grease....
buy a small tub of Lithium based grease - Big W sell it - or a tube for a grease gun, its what should be pumped into the front torsion bars every few months- with front wheels off the ground.... this is the best grease... also wheel bearings etc...
even if the bush is worn the lithium grease will help the starter motor to work.... put a small amount of grease on the shaft where the gear slides too...
If there is friction it needs grease or oil - or it will wear out..
Just remember to undo one of the battery terminals and take it off - BEFORE undoing the starter motor leads....
Your starter Motor will appreciate You doing this...

Lee --

So are they easy to replace? I haven't had a look under the beetle yet but assume they are bolted on, with a few wires? Anyone? Is it a gumby job?

50 bucks from a wrecker, that'll fix it. If that too dear dose'nt do it for ya, crawl under the car with a big f%#king hammer and bash the crap out of it.lol. This is a temp fix only, as it jults the starter and reengages it. Gets you out of trouble.

I've done this before at 2am in the rain. Not fun.

It can be the starter motor, as it's happened to me, but when it happened again recently on a reco starter motor, I replaced the battery and everything is fine now. I couldn't tell the difference by the symptoms alone....

:sandrine
My starter motor died on Saturday, the last few days before I
had trouble starting her more & more.
I got the rrr rrr rrr sound, got my battery checked out & wasn't that, just got a recon starter motor today.
Just as well I had a old spare one we fitted to get me through the weekend...
Judy