I have one quick question.I took a roadtrip last weekend to Ga. and back about 300 miles roundtrip,the car ran great the whole way.I made several stops because for one it was pretty hot that day around 96 degrees.I got home and about 20 mins. later I needed to run to the store and my Ghia wouldn't start?I had power to everything or so it seemed.It was hot so I figured I would get to it later and just took my wifes Passat w/ac :D, anyway the next day I went out to try and figure out what was wrong.I put the key in and the car started right away like it normally does.I took the car for about a 30 min. drive to see if I would have anymore problems and got home and shut the car off but this time it started back up?Has anyone ever had this happen?If not any suggestions on what it might have been?I sure don't want to get off somewhere and this happen when I need to get back home if you know what I mean.I was just thankful I was at home when this happen the other day.
Also the day I got home from the roadtrip I went out several times to turn the key and nothing until the next morning its like something got hot and cooled off and it was fine ???I have drove the car two or three times and it seems fine,but I'm kinda worried to go off to far until I get this figured out.
Hiya Clint,
What you seem to be experiencing is so common that it even has a name, much like a disease. This is called the Hot-Start Syndrome (actually, I've always thought it should be called the Hot-No-Start Syndrome, but whaddygonnado?) and it mostly affects Type 2 Busses.
Here's the deal.........the engine is in the back of the vehicle the wiring runs between the battery, ignition switch, and the starter are quite long. Length makes for more resistance. When one adds in corrosion, dirt, and poor connections it's easy to see that all the voltage from the battery may not be getting through that long loop to the starter. The starter (solenoid) needs about 10 volts to kick over the engine. You can see that with the longer wiring runs in a Type 2 this is a much more prevalent problem in a Bus.
So, what does heat have to do with this? Heat causes materials to expand. The starter solenoid is no exception. The expansion of materials in the solenoid during periods of extreme heat (this heat is mostly from engine operation but some certainly comes from ambient temperatures) causes more friction in the solenoid. More friction in the solenoid requires more juice to actuate that solenoid.
Got all that?
Now, let's say that a starting system is delivering just over 10 volts to the starter solenoid. It starts fine when the engine is relatively cool. But the friction introduced by the heat of operation now requires that the solenoid get more juice to overcome that friction produced by the heat/expansion. Just over 10 volts now will not start the car until it cools off for a bit.
Bingo! The Hot-Start Syndrome.
Best way to combat this is to get into the starting system circuit and polish all those contacts until they are shiny clean. Redo any connection that look the least bit suspicious. When you redo connections take a good look at the wiring ends. Corrosion can work its way upstream in the wire itself. Clean it/replace it. Every and all connections need to be shiny. If you are in doubt, clean it. Including the battery. Everything. Yes, grounding strap too. That will increase the amount of voltage going to the starter solenoid and cure the problem for you.
A couple of other things to note. Bosch knows all about the Hot Start Syndrome. In fact they even have a relay (the WR-1, IIRC) that can be used to prevent this situation. Many Bus owners use this relay. But even Bosch will tell you to clean everything before using this relay. Most folks find that keeping things clean does the job nicely. And......I've heard of folks who, experiencing the Hot-Start Syndrome, crawl under their Bus and give the solenoid a whack with a hammer. This tends to free up the internals and they then can start the vehicle. I'm not advocating pounding on the solenoid, but it is kinda interesting.
Thanks alot Mike,that all makes pretty good sense.You sure know the ins and outs of these cars,thats what makes this site so great, guys like yourself.I'll gladly take your advice and start cleaning everything that is even closely related.Maybe I'll try to throw in some pics. also.Thanks for your help!!
Well I've cleaned every connection I could possibly find and everything looks great.The connections were a little dirty but did need cleaning so we'll see.I guess the next long trip will tell,hopefully no problems.It's not going to keep me from driving my baby though.Sorry couldn't get any pics. my son had my camera and now he can't find it,imagine that!!Thanks for your help Mike and we'll talk to you soon.