Starter problem

[doonboggle]

I searched for this, but did not find one with the same description.

My pickup, diesel, has had starter problems ever since I got it a year or so ago. So far, being inside the garage (with temp. at low 20 range outside), have not had that much problem with it starting. But the other nite, left it outside, and would not start in the morning.

It ... inside the garage where it is usually in the 50 range, sometimes it cranks over right away and starts.
Then other times, on the first try, it sounds like it engages for a split second, then just spins. At that point, I usually wait for few seconds, then try again, and it engages fully and starts.

I looked in the Bentley but don't see any troubleshooting description to fit my problem. Am open for suggestions.

I do have a couple of used 'spares' on hand to pillage parts from, but don't have the specialty tools that Bentley mentions. Hopefully my simple hand tools will do the trick.

TIA

[R.O.R-2.0]

are these starters bendix drives? or the drive is thrown out by the solenoid?

maybe the grease in the starter drive gets too thick for it to fully engage?

this is a starter problem, not an engine firing problem right?

[Vincent Waldon]

This certainly has all the signs of an over-run clutch issue... might be lube etc but 95% chance it's plain worn out and hence releasing prematurely.

Not generally available as a separate part, which is why the Bentley doesn't cover it.   You can pull the starter, attempt to disassemble without instructions,  clean, lube etc... perhaps get it working for a try or two and have it strand you in the next hour/day/week/month... or pull it once and recycle it for a quality Bosch rebuilt starter... *and* have no further starter issues for another 200k miles.

*Clearly* my bias is showing here    but over the years I truly have come to regard both starters and alternators as recyclable units that Bosch can rebuild for me... especially since they have the parts and we normal folks can no longer get 'em.  

[Jettagli16v]

Also, not a bad idea to confirm juice at the same time
(Battery volts as well as starter terminal volts).
A failing battery could be fighting you,
these Diesels are keen on good battery, starter, and cables to each.
But if I had to choose only one or the other,
I would buy the starter.

Also, I would start with the starter, because Vince is the VW whisperer..
-Brad

[maxfax]

recycle it for a quality Bosch rebuilt starter... *and* have no further starter issues for another 200k miles.

And I stress that because most other rebuilds I've gotten do the exact same thing your current starter is doing, kicks out when cold... Most rebuilders are using some variety of cheapo Chinese sourced starter drives, and they are crap at best..

[doonboggle]

As suggested by another forum poster, completed the process today of loosening the starter and attempting to push it's teeth further toward the flywheel.

No difference.

Starter may engage for a brief second ... but then disengages and spins.

If I repeat this process once or twice, eventually it engages and starts ... as long as the truck is in the warm garage, rather than outside overnight where the temperature is 20 degrees or so.

Have 2 used 'spares' on the bench ... so hopefully if I need to use them, might save the $$ for rebuilt one.  They seem to be quite expensive these days.

What next should I proceed with??

TIA

[R.O.R-2.0]

bosch rebuilt units are like 70 bucks IIRC??

could be wrong.. i have a pile of good starters laying around, and never buy them.

[doonboggle]

bosch rebuilt units are like 70 bucks IIRC??

Not diesel ones.

[Baron VonZeppelin]

I'd bench test your spares - and swap on whichever one runs/sounds the best.

Rebuilt Bosch Dzl starts at $100up plus shipping, plus the core shipping return cost.

There is a trick/tip to installing Mk1 Dzl starter bolts.
Let me know if you are going to swap one and i'll advise.

[theman53]

Sweet. Baron is back and offering help. I just looked at your profile yesterday wondering where you have been. Said you hadn't been active since the 22nd of Oct 2010. Hope all is well.

OP
Make sure you put a good new starter bushing in. I find that it ruins the starters quickly if you have one that is whipped and you don't do that. I also have a post on here that shows you how to make it self lubricating so you don't have to fumble with grease.