4ks / 80 starter removal procedure?

[Chris Semple]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: quattro-admin at audifans.com [mailto:quattro-admin at audifans.com]On
> Behalf Of EBavely

--snip--
> I've checked the battery, negative cable and the battery side
> terminal on
> the positive cable, so now I'd like to check the connections
> on the starter
> and if need be, the starter itself.  In the archives, several
> people mention
> that the solenoid connections can get dirty or corroded and
> can cause this problem... Any thoughts or experience?

Another item to check, as I recall, is the positive cable that routes from
the alt around the back of the engine down to the starter. There's an Adel
clamp that retains it to the tin backing plate. Make sure everyone's happy
and not chafing away to create a short.

> My real question is what is the proper procedure in getting
> to the starter
> contacts or removing the starter?  It's tight in there and I
> even had to use a telescoping mirror to even see the contacts...

Agreed, it's a real bear of a starter job, not on par with a V8 granted, but
the ugliest of the 4cyl jobbers. It's been a while since I've done one, but
I recall I pulled that alum motor mount wing while supporting the engine
from below, as it seemed quicker than messing with the compressor. It's not
just a matter of getting all the bolts out, you need an access route to get
that bugger out of there. Depending if it's been worked on previously, there
may be an aux allen bolt holding it to the block, that's an oft overlooked
item, until the starter won't budge!

FYI, it's one of the few Vw/Audi starters that I wouldn't recommend a used
one.

-Cheers
Chris Semple
Concord NH
'87 4000q
   '84 4000tq Lightweight
      '92 S4
         '81 Vw pickup
            '92 Cabby