[Vwdiesel] push starting

[Sandy Cameron]

At 08:41 PM 9/29/02 +0000, you wrote:
>
>
>Ok guys, this is a problem I've had for quite a while and I can't figure it
>out.  When I crank my engine over with the starter it won't start - no
>matter what temp.  If I get the car rolling just the littlest bit, I can pop
>the clutch and it will start right up no problems.  What's going on here?
>

A tired starter can be the problem. diesels need to be cranked  a speed high
enough to ensure the air squeezed in the cylinder is hot enough to ignite
the oil when injected. Worn rings can make the situation worse too.

If you have not seen my starter overhaul story, I can mail it or post it.

Also a good battery, a new THICK ground cable direct from the battery to a
bolt on the block near the starter, and a thicker positive cable to the
starter will help too. Completely clean all terminals, and the area where
they contact the block, and starter terminal.

The stock vw ground cable is a wimp, replace it, and ensure you have a bond
between the block and the body too. You can leave the wimpy one in place for
that job, but remove the connection from the body and clean off the
corrosion to clean shiny metal.

Some ground cables are bolted to the transmission brace, which often is
"insulated" from the tranny by aluminum corrosion inside the bolt holes
holding the brace to the tranny. You might want to move the engine end of
the body ground to a better bolt on the engine. (clean both ends)

Complete battery cable replacement works wonders for cold weather starting.

Sandy