On 12/18/2004 4:23 PM Speedy Jim wrote:

> Mike Rocket J. Squirrel Elliott wrote:
>
>> Speedy Jim (or anyone with a spare starter sitting around):
>>
>> Does anyone know the typical current draw of starter motor Terminal
>> 50? Or, lacking that, the typical DC resistance between Terminal 50
>> and the body of the starter (ground)?
>>
>> The Wonderbus has a 15A fuse inline with Terminal 50 on the starter.
>> This is the terminal that the ignition switch applies +12 to when you
>> want the starter to go 'round and 'round. When the ignition key just
>> caused my aftermarket relay to "click" without accompanying starter
>> action, I inspected the fuse and found it blown. Thus no +12 on
>> Terminal 50, thus no starter action. I popped in another fuse (a 30A
>> one on hand) and the starter now operates.
>>
>> I reckon either 15 amps is too close to the typical current draw, or
>> Something More Evil occurred to pop the fuse.
>>
> The starter solenoid draws ~30 Amps at initial pull-in.
> That's one reason that VW never put a fuse in there.
> If you feel you *must* have OC protection, consider using a
> big automotive-style circuit breaker.

30A? Well, that goes a long way toward explaining why the fuse popped!
Thanks, Jim! Where'd you find the spec?

--
Mike "Rocket J Squirrel" Elliott
71 Type 2: the Wonderbus
84 Westphalia: "Mellow Yellow (The Electrical Banana)"
KG6RCR