Date:         Sat, 8 Sep 2001 10:41:17 -0400
Reply-To:     John Haddad <jgh3rd@MINDSPRING.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Haddad <jgh3rd@MINDSPRING.COM>
Subject:      No start troubleshooting questions
In-Reply-To:  <a5.17973f91.2869eacc@aol.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=us-ascii

Hey All,

My '85 just recently refused to start, and I've been reading Muir and
Bentley for clues on how to ascertain what is going on.  I've only had it
happen once before after extended highway driving on a hot day, and then
it caught.  Not this time...

I could get a half a crank at first and then nothing but solenoid click.
I tested the battery a la Bentley and it came up a little low (12.2 V vs.
the recommended 12.3 V), so I decided to clean the terminals and jumpstart.
   This allowed it to start and after letting it run for 10 mins. to charge
the battery, I turned it off.

1st start after this, it started but with more than the usual cranking.
Turned it off and tried again and I got half a crank and then next time
none.  After I jumpstart it again and get it into the garage (what did I
do without it before?), I'd like to figure out whether it is the battery
or the alternator.

I have a multimeter and test light, so what is the best way to figure out
which is the culprit?  Alt. belt is new and tight, I'll check the voltage
regulator today.

TIA,

John Haddad