Thanks guys for your valuable input on this,
Yes the starter is indeed the culprit or at least one of the likely
culprits. The bushing may be shot or maybe it needs a good service with change
of the brushes. or both.
Today I went to the electrician/battery shop again. Took my battery there
which was charged. Checked it with the special meter's load test and the
verdict came. It was shot! The funny thing is this is the first time that Iam
seeing a battery die like this. Usually it was seen as a gradual process with
starting troubles raising their head as an engine being progressively harder to
start. Slower cranking and all. First time Im seeing a battery die in a couple
of days. We are getting batteries of inferior quality now. Its thanks to a
massive jump in demand due to them being used in UPS power systems for homes
etc. Funny thing about the market here is whatever is in demand becomes more
expensive and of cheaper quality!
Anyway. I also got the auto bug starter motor serviced. On dismantling the
device, the electrician asked me what the problem was......on my saying nothing
he gave me 'that look'. Often the philosophy followed is 'if it aint broke dont
fix it' here. Still I was happy to see everyhting was in good shape and clean
inside. Just a general service and lube and we were ready to roll. Even the
brushes were too good to be replaced. The auto starter would make me cut
corners by not pulling the engine. Not a good thing really as I wish I could
make all the checks advised by Erin (some very sensible points).
So with a new battery which is to be bought tomorrow Ill see how the car
behaves. The autobug starter and post 73 alternator are ready to go in. I shall
put them in once the bug behaves normally with the new battery. I want to make
sure all issues are ruled out so i have a clean slate to start from. Then it
would be easier to troubleshoot the newly replaced components.
The generator light is good and does light up on the first turn of the key.
Thanks again,
Asad.
> From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [email protected]> Date: Thu, 27 Mar 2008
> 17:39:59 -0500> Subject: Re: [vintagvw] Starting probs in my 68 bug.> >
> Humming from the starter is more than likely your starter bushing in the >
> transmission is shot and it's allowing the the armature to slop around and >
> hit up against the side of the starter motor. It may very well be causing >
> your battery to drain however, 11.92 volts is not what a battery at rest >
> should have - should be able to hold 12 to 13 volts.> > First of all, replace
> your starter bushing which pretty much requires you to > pull the engine.
> There are ways to do it without pulling the engine but in > this case, I
> would pull the engine and inspect the teeth on the flywheel and > starter
> motor just to be safe. I'd also pull the starter and just do a > general
> inspection to make sure nothing is amiss on it. I'd also check the > torque
> on the flywheel, set the end play, replace the main seal and o-ring, >
> inspect the !
clutch and throwout bearing. Also replace the input shaft seal > on the
transmission while you're back there.> > Once you have the bushing replaced and
everything bolted back up and > running, then you can tackle your charging
problems. First, verify that > your generator light is indeed good by pulling
it out and putting 12v to it. > You will not be charging if your light is
burned out. Once you've verified > that situation, then you need to check for
13.6 to 14.1 volts DC going into > the battery. Anything less and your system
will charge slower or not at > all.> > I have a strong hunch your indicator
light is burned out and your starter > bushing is toast but I'm just guessing.>
> Erin > > _______________________________________________> vintagvw site list>
[email protected]> http://lists.sjsu.edu/mailman/listinfo/vintagvw
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