Listees, Westy is in "no start" condition during the first 130 miles of 6,000 mile journey. I'm safe at home, frustrated. After a shutdown of van, tow truck operator suggested that the alternator failed at high speed. Dash lights behaved erratically for about 10/15 miles at 60 MPH. "Battery" light did not come on, nor was there any other indication problem until dash lights, fuel gauge and temp gauge began to recede to low levels. Westy 1.9 engine stopped. Battery was drained. Alternator removed and tested and produced 2 volts of about a 12-volt standard. The failure was "machine" diagnosed as "diode." Replacement alternator installed and recently-purchased "new" battery charged and tested. The starter will turn, strongly, but the van will not start. DIGITOOL READINGS Digitool LEDs, "Inj," "T-S," "Fuel," and "Coil," light up. Digitool LED "Start" remains unlighted. Digitool LCDs, "Temp 1," "Temp 2," "Power," "AFM" and "Oxy Sensor" are blank/unlighted.. In three "tries" there was a "slight" sound of what appeared to be an attempt to start, just barely, minimally, unsuccessfully.. There is a faint smell of fuel. Can an fuel injected engine "flood?" Is there some electrical component which could have been damaged by the failure of the alternator and the subsequent draining of the battery? At the time of the incident, I tried three of four times to start the engine, and once I had a "power pack" (portable battery) start which allowed me to go another 10 miles, or so, until the shutdown. Please offer opinions on solution/resolution of this problem. What I have had reemphasized to me in this incident: It is essential to have a cell phone in the Southern California/Arizona Desert. I find it wise to have paid the "extra" for the AAA 'Plus" with a hundred-mile tow coverage I find myself to be even "wiser" to be insured 15 years by GEICO Insurance with ERS "Emergency Road Service." The coverage as a supplement to AAA. Towed home about 150 miles. Towing charge of $337.00 covered 100 miles by AAA and 50 miles by GEICO. Thanks, Tom Hanlon Palm Springs, CA 84 Westfalia |
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