Newbie needs help!

Jul 09, 2003 2 Replies

We just recently bought a 1966 VW bug for our son. It has been quite



a experience working on it since this is my first one. When I first
> start the car it turns over ok, but once it starts it makes a grinding
> noise for a second or two and then it runs fine. It sounds like a car
> that is already running trying to be started again, if that makes
> sense. I thought it was the starter so I replaced it, but it still
> happens. While replacing the starter I found metal shavings in the
> starter housing but the flywheel looks to be ok and meshes with the
> starter fine. I would appreciate any help on this as this should be a
> interesting project. By the way the car was converted to 12 volt. so it

has a 12 volt starter, I also used the 6v to 12v bushing.

Don't know why your browser is inserting ">" in the original mssg...

Your problem is that the '66 engine used a flywheel with teeth suited

*only* for a 6V starter pinion. The pitch diam of the teeth was changed when production switched to 12V.

That engine *might* accept a 12V flywheel (the hub is different) but then you need to grind out the bellhousing since the flywheel diam is bigger! Still with me??

I think your best bet is to put the 6V starter back in (replace the bushing again). Many guys run the 6V starter on 12V without incident. If you want, you can swap out the solenoids so that the solenoid current draw is correct and the force is limited.

Speedy Jim

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Any chance the ignition switch isn't releasing from the start position quickly enough?

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