[T3] Starter stuff...

[Jim Adney]

On 22 Mar 2011 at 22:58, J. Jonik wrote:

> What, exactly, is being tapped loose to work when one taps a non-functioning starter into working again?  (It doesn't take much tapping.)
> 
> Is that problem in the solenoid, or starter itself?


I THINK the problem is usually that one of the carbon brushes is sticking in 
its holder and isn't making good contact with the commutator. If I'm right, 
this is probably due to lots of dust from worn brushes and would most likely 
happen as the brushes are mostly worn out. It could certainly also happen when 
the brushes are completely worn out.  

> Is this problem one that WILL get worse to the point of starter not working no matter what?
> 
> And the cure.....?   

If the problem is in the starter, I would remove the starter, open the rear end 
plate, brush out the accumulated dust and inspect the brushes. Note that it is 
often quite hard to get that cover off, just because the motor thru bolts are 
very tight.

If the brushes are worn short, you should replace them. On starters this is 
difficult. I can do it, or someone who regularly rebuilds starters can do it, 
but you may end up buying a rebuilt. If you buy a rebuilt, make sure that the 
new one comes with all the same terminals as your old one, because FI cars use 
an extra terminal that beetles and early type 3s never had, so this may be hard 
to find. Your best choice may be to pay a little extra to someone local who can 
actually rebuild yours, assuming the one in there now is correct.

-- 
Jim Adney
jadney at vwtype3.org
Madison, WI USA