Volkswagen Rabbit Hot Starting Problem?

Question

My 84 Rabbit Conv., 1.8, Automatic starts great cold. Drive around a bit and it probably will not start when hot. There is a clicking and the voltmeter shows a big drop down to about 9 V, but the engine does not crank. One mechanic said it was excessive heat around the starter motor, and re-installed a missing heat shield there. That was out of town, so I didn't go back when the problem persisted. He replaced a missing part which was needed anyway. Do I need a new starter motor or should I find a way to keep it from getting too hot ? This is a car that starts first time every Spring after sitting for months over Winter. I welcome all suggestions before I pull the starter motor out.

Answer 1

The problem you are experiencing is due to the starter,s very close proximity to the exhaust manifold. It starts fine when cold, but drive it around a while and the starter doesn,t even crank right? Its caused by an expanding starter solenoid. When they are hot they grow and now require even more voltage to make them switch power to the starter drive. This is the solution  http://www.painlessperformance.com/webcatalog/largeview.php?SearchField=30201