Problem with car starting after engine is hot???

[ambertefft]

Okay as most of you know I have a 98 Beetle 2.0 that I bought with a blown head and locked engine. I had the head rebuilt and the block rebuilt with many other new parts. The car is running good. But after it is running and I shut it off it doesn't want to start back up until the engine is cool in a hour or so then it will start right up. When trying to start it while the engine is still hot the starter spins but is not engaging the flywheel. Does anyone know what this could be? Thanks for your help in advance.

[jason m]

Originally Posted by ambertefft

Okay as most of you know I have a 98 Beetle 2.0 that I bought with a blown head and locked engine. I had the head rebuilt and the block rebuilt with many other new parts. The car is running good. But after it is running and I shut it off it doesn't want to start back up until the engine is cool in a hour or so then it will start right up. When trying to start it while the engine is still hot the starter spins but is not engaging the flywheel. Does anyone know what this could be? Thanks for your help in advance.

Sounds like the starter drive is going out. You can remove the starter and tear apart and clean and lube or replace. I would replace it.

[simonsi]

/\ Ditto!

[littlekelly]

Hi, I have the same problem with my 98 NB. My first start of the day is fine, but will not start after engine gets hot. It will crank and crank, but not turn over. After it sits for a couple hours, it will start. This only happens in hot weather, I had NO problems with starting this winter in Phoenix. Have tried to get it diagnosed several times, but as it always is, the problem could not be duplicated. Battery, alternator and starter checked out fine yesterday. Fuel pump is ok, too. My car has 82,400 original miles. It's getting hot out again and my car started acting up this weekend! Help!

[kellyyysayss]

Originally Posted by littlekelly

Hi, I have the same problem with my 98 NB. My first start of the day is fine, but will not start after engine gets hot. It will crank and crank, but not turn over. After it sits for a couple hours, it will start. This only happens in hot weather, I had NO problems with starting this winter in Phoenix. Have tried to get it diagnosed several times, but as it always is, the problem could not be duplicated. Battery, alternator and starter checked out fine yesterday. Fuel pump is ok, too. My car has 82,400 original miles. It's getting hot out again and my car started acting up this weekend! Help!

...Read the post about the starter drive above....

Good luck.

[RDRAIDR]

Originally Posted by littlekelly

Hi, I have the same problem with my 98 NB. My first start of the day is fine, but will not start after engine gets hot. It will crank and crank, but not turn over. After it sits for a couple hours, it will start. This only happens in hot weather, I had NO problems with starting this winter in Phoenix. Have tried to get it diagnosed several times, but as it always is, the problem could not be duplicated. Battery, alternator and starter checked out fine yesterday. Fuel pump is ok, too. My car has 82,400 original miles. It's getting hot out again and my car started acting up this weekend! Help!

So, explain, "It will crank and crank, but not turn over." Are you saying, 1. the engine cranks but will not start? or 2. the starter spins, but the engine will not turn over?

If 1, the answer above is not your problem. If 2, then it is.

A starter has basically two parts - the solenoid which forces the starter drive wheel forward and engages with the engine flywheel resulting in engine spin or turn-over. Starters are known to "stick" which means the solenoid fails to engage the starter to the flywheel, thus no engine turn-over. This typically happens when the starter gets hot. A solenoid can be replaced and a starter can be rebuilt - it's basically an electric motor. If your interested, look in your local phone book for a car alternator shop and ask them about the cost of rebuild. Also, most auto parts stores can test your starter if you take it to them. It will probably work fine when it's cool on the test stand. I've had both the starter and alternator rebuilt for a fraction of a "new" rebuilt (by the way) starter and altenator.

Just some thoughts to possibly save some money.

[simonsi]

Originally Posted by kellyyysayss

...Read the post about the starter drive above....

Good luck.

Different symptom, the OP's car wasn't engaging the flywheel, this guys problem is it cranks but doesn't fire.

[simonsi]

Originally Posted by littlekelly

Hi, I have the same problem with my 98 NB. My first start of the day is fine, but will not start after engine gets hot. It will crank and crank, but not turn over. After it sits for a couple hours, it will start. This only happens in hot weather, I had NO problems with starting this winter in Phoenix. Have tried to get it diagnosed several times, but as it always is, the problem could not be duplicated. Battery, alternator and starter checked out fine yesterday. Fuel pump is ok, too. My car has 82,400 original miles. It's getting hot out again and my car started acting up this weekend! Help!

No you have a different problem. Can you get the car scanned and post the codes so we have something to work with? Otherwise many bits could be breaking down when hot and not letting you start.

[BUGSTUFF]

In an air-cooled VW, strong cranking but no start when hot is often indicative of a faulty coil.

[simonsi]

Originally Posted by BUGSTUFF

In an air-cooled VW, strong cranking but no start when hot is often indicative of a faulty coil.

in an air-cooled VW that it about the only electric component but the theory is the same in a modern, it can be easily caused by any electronic component where a component can break down and cause a short or open circuit when hot, in the NB there are just many more possibilities than with the old aircooleds (or any older engine for that matter).

[BUGSTUFF]

Argh, I went back and re-read the posts:

The OP sounds like a starter problem and "littlekelly" sounds like a coil problem.

Sorry for any confusion!!!

[littlekelly]

Originally Posted by ambertefft

Okay as most of you know I have a 98 Beetle 2.0 that I bought with a blown head and locked engine. I had the head rebuilt and the block rebuilt with many other new parts. The car is running good. But after it is running and I shut it off it doesn't want to start back up until the engine is cool in a hour or so then it will start right up. When trying to start it while the engine is still hot the starter spins but is not engaging the flywheel. Does anyone know what this could be? Thanks for your help in advance.

I've had this EXACT same issue with my car, happening over a period of years! No one could figure it out, even had the fuel pump replaced and it was still happening, but included LOSING all power while driving! A huge, huge safety issue that had to get resolved. Finally, a few codes were thrown and it seems like the issue was with the crank sensor. It's only been a few days since I had it replaced and knock on wood and blessings from the beetle gods, so far so good. Time will tell and the coming summer heat will be the true test!