Starter problem

[BenI]

I'm experiencing the dreaded hot-start problem and had a quick question about the starter/solenoid circuitry. The problem is sometimes after driving for awhile and turning off the car, the starter won't engage-no solenoid click either. I've been taking a remote starter button and clipping the button between the spade lug on the starter that the yellow wire from the ignition goes to, and the stud that the + battery cable goes to. The odd thing is when I hit the button I hear the starter whir, but the solenoid isn't pushing it out so it doesnt engage to the flywheel. I think maybe my starter button alligator clip is twisting and shorting the ignition lead to the lead that goes between the solenoid and the starter-this seems like it might explain the power to the starter but not the solenoid. Does this make sense? Luckily, after I spin the starter, I've been able to pull the starter button clips off and the starter and solenoid engage and I can start the engine. Does this suggest dead spots in my starter? Why would spinning the starter help unless maybe I have dirty contacts whose resistance is increased with the heat. Just looking for some explaination and maybe direction in what to fix. Thanks!

It sounds as thought is may be a bad starter. I had the exact same problem on my 73' 2.0. I tried everything, hot start kit, larger electrical wire, running grounds, and it still kept doing what you're describing, eventually I ended up putting a 911 starter in mine. I never had a problem again, The 914 stock starter really isnt that great to begin with. It sounds like the starter may have dead spots in it, which means you would need to either repair or replace. If you're handy with electrical work, It is simple to replace the brushes inside the 914 starter. If you are not, most auto parts stores can test the starter for a small fee.

Hope this helps a little.

[Jubal DeLong]

I too had the hot-start wowes a few months back. There is a pretty good foreign parts house near my office so I called them for a rebuilt starter -$129. Then a friend tells me to call this other place and mention his name for a good price and I pick up the starter there for $59 -So far so good.
Now I have a very small garrage so I'm over at Dman's house -pull the suspect starter and it's different! I should have known when the guy said, "VW starter...". Now what? -I call Pep Boys and the have a re-built Bosch for $39 w/ a guarantee! No porblems yet....

[Ron Meier]

Unless it has a sticker on it that says Bosch Remanufactured, it was probably done by A-1 Cardone (or a few others).

You can fit the 914 0.8 Kw starter (stock) or to really spin the motor, go to the 911 1.2 Kw. If interested, I will post the OEMs for both tomorrow, when I'm at my office.