Does a VW starter have enough torque to start a 356

[Gus Guzman]

I am finally done rebuilding my engine, bought a test stand, new 6 volt Optima, got a rebuilt 6v VW starter, but it cranks over one then stops. I noticed some smoke out of the starter also? Does the VW not have enough torque or did i hook something up wrong?

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[Doug McDonnell]

Should be fine if new bushing and starter OK. I would try another starter.

[Gus Guzman]

Should the bushing be tight or loose? this one is tight? it turn but tight.

[David Jones]

Gus, the VW starter should be able to spin a 356 engine over with ease. It is not as good as a Porsche starter but the reason they are not used is because the solenoid is clocked in a different position so it does not play well in the assigned space under the rear shelf. I used to use a 12 volt battery to spin mine on a test stand but use 6 volts for the ignition if a 6 volt engine. As you have an aftermarket mounting assembly for the starter motor I would suspect there is possibly an alignment issue. It would not take much to lock the teeth against the flywheel. See if you can find a cheap 12 volt self supporting style starter and use 12 volts just for the starter.
https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/car ... lsrc=aw.ds

[Gus Guzman]

But won't that interfere with the 6v coil? I thought about doing what you suggest, but I want to make sure it doesn't damage anything.

[David Jones]

Just use the 12 volts for the starter motor. You can still supply the rest of the test stand with 6 volts. If you just connect 12 volts to the starter terminal you could still operate the solenoid with 6 volts.

[Jason Laster]

As other said, the 6V VW starter should be able to spin the engine. I assume that you can rotate the engine by hand and nothing is binding?

[Gus Guzman]

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okay i think your right David the gear when i looked and the gear is engaged on the fly wheel. I pushed it back with a screwdriver. I am using a Zalex ring to mount it so not sure why it wouldn't align? i will try to shim it i guess.