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.

Speedy Jim
http://www.nls.net/mp/volks/