I would go for replacing the starter. However since rebuilds lately have been so inconsistent if yours is still working maybe keep it as it is tried and proven. Something like the engine in Fun Bus. I figure if it hasn’t blown in 290K why should it on the next trip. Anyway for replacement starters I am going to be stocking the GoWesty units. So far they have been 100%. I have not had any issues and they work well enough to eliminate the thought of add on relays and other fixes. 

Dennis
 

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of John Rodgers
Sent: Saturday, January 30, 2016 8:43 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Runaway Starter

Need an experienced and educated opinion.

As mentioned in an earlier post, I had a short in the engine harness resulting in a run away starter. By the time I could get the vehicle off the road and get the starter shut off, there were really acrid fumes in the van.

Question: Would that starter likely be a reliable starter to keep using, or will it be problematic in its future performance.

My sense of it is the starter has overheated and would be subject to failure at any time  or perhaps "IFFY" performance.  I would not want to be caught out again in the dark  between Somewhere, Alabama and Nowhere, Alabama. Even though the problem began elsewhere in the vehicle. Are bets on the old starter continuing to run, or on a new starter to avoid problems.

You considered opinion, please!

Thanks,

John