Getting Started

After two weeks and spending several hundred dollars on tools and parts, I'm beginning to question my sanity in starting this project.  The initial excitement is wearing off a bit as I continue to bump into major obstacles.  My first priority was to get the engine started.  This has proven to be quite the problem.  First I had to buy a new battery.  That was the easy part.  Then I had to troubleshoot the real problem.  The owner thought the problem was the ignition switch that he provided.  Long story short, that wasn't the problem.  With a new battery, new ignition switch, and still not starting, I now suspect the starter. 

Here's where the fun comes in, trying to remove the starter.  First I have to learn how to work on this car.  Since I'm unfamiliar with VW's, every task is a new adventure, so I spend a lot of time on U-Tube.  There's no end to the video clips about any topic, including VW repairs. 

Every task is hampered by rusty nuts and bolts.  "Break Free" spray is my new best friend!  Too bad it isn't helping with the bolts holding the starter on.   LOL.  It will eventually break free and I'll test the starter outside the car.  Hopefully that will correct the problem.

I'm finding that I should redirect my energy to other tasks when I get stuck.  Rather than getting frustrated, I simply need to move to another task that will yield results.  Like this problem, if the engine starter is bogging me down, I should take a break and move on to something else, like replacing the sun visors with the new pair I just bought.  Once I see results, I feel better.  ;)

I'm also learning other lessons too.  Like, 1)  I'm too old to be under a car,  2)  I need new glasses for working on objects 3 feet away,  3) My new glasses need to cling to my face - duh!  Normal frames keep falling off my face! And, 4) I really need a work table.  Sitting on the floor to repair parts at 56 is just stupid. 

Oh well, this is probably more info than you ever wanted to know, so I'll draw this to a close for now.  If you have any questions or comments, feel free to add them to this post.  I'll respond as son as I see them.

Blessings!  Doug <><