Date:         Fri, 15 Feb 2002 14:44:19 -0500
Reply-To:     Karl Ploessl <ploessl@SUNMAC.SPECT.UPENN.EDU>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Karl Ploessl <ploessl@SUNMAC.SPECT.UPENN.EDU>
Subject:      Re: <AIRS> 81 Vanagon Help
Comments: To: Shawn <firefly1@INTOP.NET>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Shawn wrote:

"Volks:

I got a call last nite from a couple of bussers having trouble with
their 81 Vanagon.  Neither knows much about VW or autos for that matter.

Symptoms:  Wouldn't start.  May have burned up the starter trying.
Starter has been replaced.  Then, while driving noticed a loss of power.
Backed off the accelerator and it regained power.  They had a non-VW
mechanic "adjust" the timing.  Ran well, then sputtering/losing power
again.  Now it won't start. Starter working intermittently.

I'm trying to talk them thru as much as possible before I drive 2
hours.

So Far:

Battery o.k.  Starter works most of the time.
It has spark.
I've got them trying to adjust the timing (without a timing lite).
Fuel Filters o.k.

I don't know much about the Type IV.  Is there anything they should
immediately check before trying to troubleshoot the FI system?

Please respond B/C.  I'm on Digest Mode.

Thanks
Shawn Clark
71 Westy
84 Westy        "


I had similar experiences and it turned out to be bad points and condenser.
Don't know how to diagnose it but me mechanic knew :-).

Maybe somebody can chime in.

        Karl.

Karl
'81 Westy "Jenny"
Wilmington, DE