T3 starting issue

[luckyphil]

thanks Les

I had this issue randomly till I fitted a starter relay kit now no problem.  Also the relay protects the ignition switch which is a known weak spot on T3's

[luckyphil]

Here is the kit I installed
https://socalautoparts.com/wp-content/up...3GR_v2.jpg

More Info
Vanagon-Hard-Start-Relay.pdf (uniwerksdesign.com)

[Barry]

Thanks Phil. 
I have ordered a kit from Uniwerks. 
Will see how that goes

[Barry]

Well, hard start relay kit turned up. 

I will say, nicely assembled and well put together. 
Installed this morning and it started. 

Now the waiting game to see if it happens again. 
Hoping not, as the kit just does what I was doing manually

[Grantus]

Well, hard start relay kit turned up. 

I will say, nicely assembled and well put together. 
Installed this morning and it started. 

Now the waiting game to see if it happens again. 
Hoping not, as the kit just does what I was doing manually

Watching with interest Barry.

Thought my single cab starting issues were simply the 7.5 year old battery. New battery, and it def cranks faster, & holds a charge for days whilst sitting, but still hit & miss as to whether it cranks every time I turn the key……

[Barry]

Next time it happens might be worth trying a hot start from the alternator to the solenoid terminal. 

I can post you my pre-made jumper wire

If it starts odds on the hot start will fix it

[grumble]

Watching with interest Barry.

Thought my single cab starting issues were simply the 7.5 year old battery. New battery, and it def cranks faster, & holds a charge for days whilst sitting, but still hit & miss as to whether it cranks every time I turn the key……

Next time it happens might be worth trying a hot start from the alternator to the solenoid terminal. 
I can post you my pre-made jumper wire
If it starts odds on the hot start will fix it
Grant the main starter motor cable comes direct from the battery Over the years I have fitted a lot of relays to the solenoid to alleviate this problem using a 4 terminal Bosch relay.   I used a lead from the starter terminal to feed the relay 30 terminal, the solenoid wire connected to 55, the relay earth to 56 and a lead from 57 to the solenoid. I think I still have one made up if the "boogies" haven't snavelled it and I can send it to you if you like. Cheers. Les

[Grantus]

Thanks Barry & Les,

I figure the starting issues are 1 or more of the following:

Ignition switch

Battery

Fuel Pump

Starter solenoid

Starter Motor

Wiring 

So when it first happened, I replaced the ignition switch. Next time I replaced the battery.

Now considering the relay upgrade x 2, (the downside of owning 2 x T3’s), coz as Phil pointed out, reducing the load on the ignition switch is worth doing, even if it doesn’t solve the issue.

I am suspecting a “sticky solenoid”, but will have to wait till next time, to do further testing.

[Whitie]

Also watching with interest, Doka intermittently does this. 
I’d put my money on a sticky solenoid.

[Oldman]

"sticky" solenoid should engage if tapped with something whilst trying to cranki......
If it doesn't, check the voltage/power feed to the solenoid, ..... and all earths.
( Just been down this rabbit hole with the Forester   )