"Mike Rocket J. Squirrel Elliott"
et> wrote in message
...
> 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

If you want over-current protection, you might see if you can get one of
those newfangled fusible links in the 30-50 amp range. Probably survive
better than a straight fuse. The fusible link off my battery is 12 years
old.

Charles of Kankakee