Karl, environment and electrical current caused the oxidation that corroded that braid - much like any other negative ground. also, not a VW specific issue - happened to my Benz. hence the liquid tape endorsement. after that I did the starter motor on my Audi as a precaution - 5 yrs ago. another cheap insurance measure.��� h t h������ mike�

 

________________________________
 From: Karl Wolz <wolzphoto@Q.COM>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM 
Sent: Monday, December 17, 2012 10:10 PM
Subject: Re: Why my Starter Motor Failed PICS
  
Now you have me feeling kinda stupid!�  I had the exact same situation with my DoKa starter.� That one had been rebuilt only a months before.� I commonly spray off the engine, but that shouldn't have caused the wire to disintegrate. 

Thanx for the outcome.� 

Karl Wolz
Sent from my electronic umbilicus

On Dec 17, 2012, at 7:32 PM, neil n <musomuso@GMAIL.COM> wrote:

> Nothing new for the old hands here but interesting to me.
> 
> The failure is obvious. That braided copper "wire" was corroded and
> falling apart. Like it appears bits of braid had fallen out (or were
> eaten by corrosion) creating a hole. Image:
> 
> http://tinyurl.com/bmcvzx5
> 
> Turning the 13mm nut slightly caused the wire to disintegrate and break.
> 
> Image: http://tinyurl.com/bqz998z kind of shows how worn the braided wire was.
> 
> I guess I'm showing these images so people can get an idea of what can
> go wrong with a starter. I suspect that this van sat a while and
> moisture etc. took it's toll. Like I bet the bushings etc. in starter
> are in reasonably good shape.
> 
> Installed my spare Bosch reman. starter. "vroom, vroom". All good.
> 
> Thanks for the help people!
> 
> Neil.
> 
> --
> Neil n
> 
> 65 kb image Myford Ready For Assembly� http://tinyurl.com/64sx4rp
> 
> '88 Slate Blue Westy to be named.
> 
> '81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco"� http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/
> 
> Vanagon VAG Gas I4/VR Swap Google Group:
> 
> http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines