Next  move is to get one of those Kennedy Machine starters that are used on
Subaru 6 to Vanagon tranny conversions.
I've heard the number 260$ but it might be more now.

Stan Wilder
Engine Ceramics
214-352-4931
www.engineceramics.com

----- Original Message -----
From: "Dennis" <guskersthecat@YAHOO.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, September 05, 2005 10:38 PM
Subject: Vanagon Starter - windings available?

> The saga of my 90 Westy starter continues.  You'll laugh, I cry.  Really,
> I'm just P'd off.
>
> 1.  Starter rebuilt in prep for engine conversion.  Seemed to be cranking
> slowly.  About $175.
>
> 2.  After a year in project status, engine installed, newly "rebuilt"
> starter fails to engage 100% of the time.  When visiting the rebuilder,
> found that he had retired and closed business.
>
> 3.  Starter goes to Bosch authorized dealer for check...they test OK.
>
> 4.  Starter back to same, replace solenoid, charge $80, problem the same.
>
> 5.  Starter back again, but I insisted they replace final drive.  They do
> so, $150.  Starter works fine but....
>
> Starter seems to be cranking engine over a bit slow and now stopping dead
> after a few second crank.  Diagnosed starter draw at 620 amps...about 450
> amps more than it should.  So now the stator and or windings will need to
be
> looked at.  I could just buy Gowesty's ND starter...or have another go at
my
> Bosch.
>
> The question is, are windings replaceable in these starters?  If so, are
> they available?  At this point I have a $400 CAN starter that draws 620
> amps.  I'm truly wondering at this point what a "rebuilt" starter actually
> is.  Apparently it's whatever the rebuilder decides to replace.