Date:         Thu, 11 May 2000 13:06:23 -0700
Reply-To:     Doktor Tim <doktortim@ROCKISLAND.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Doktor Tim <doktortim@ROCKISLAND.COM>
Subject:      Re: Power loss problem solved.... I think.
In-Reply-To:  <005e01bfbb6f$2de660e0$49a6a5d1@irvin>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

At 09:32 AM 05/11/2000 -0800, you wrote:

>two batteries.....a new alternator.....the battery went dead....She
died....there was nothing coming from the starter.

  On looking at the
>Bentley trouble shooting guide to starters, I came across the ground strap
>that runs from the tranny to the frame.

Always when you have starter or charging or battery probs, check that
ground strap and both ends of both (all) battery terminals and cables. No
coorosion at all and tight fasteners is spec.

 Upon crawling under the van,  I
>learned the nut that secures the ground wire to the frame was gone.  A quick
>trip to a nearby hardware store provided a replacement, the van cranked
>right up, and has not had so much power in years.

Certainly the same thing happened to me. It's just so long ago I can't
remember the details. Now, if you, like I, give that ground strap a quick
look and tug every time you are under there doing mainenance at least once
per year, you will never have this problem again 'till the Altzheimers
kicks in and you fergit. The value of the experience will inflict you for
the rest of your rational life.

>
>The morale of the story for me, was to be mindful of the "little" things,
>like a missing nut and a loose wire.

Also, read the Bible, Bentley, every single word, particularly the first
paragraphs of every section where it gives the basic system considerations.
If you actually do what it says, you will be blessed with far less
unnecessary waste of time/money from simple failures so easily prevented by
reading and following what is given.

>
>I've seen descriptions of similar problems on the list,  If yours is still
>looking for solutions, you might want to begin checking all the grounds....

Either check things periodically for weaknesses and keep them from failing,
or wait till they fail then try to find them by trial and error. I am a
master of trial and error. I prefer the former method by a long shot.

>
>I hope this is helpful and does not engender too much ridicule form those of
>you with a clue about the magical working of the internal combustion
>engine..
>

Was it Clarke or Azimov who said words to the effect, "Science not
understood is indistinguisable from majic!"


T.P. Stephens
San Juan Island, WA