Date:         Mon, 23 Sep 2002 23:19:48 EDT
Reply-To:     THX0001@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         George Goff <THX0001@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: short, sudden, recuring loss of power
Comments: To: mike_l_f@HOTMAIL.COM
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

In a message dated 9/23/02 10:32:00 PM, mike_l_f@HOTMAIL.COM writes:

<< Roger <Rogerspace2@AOL.COM> said -

For the past week or so, my '89 Westy has been suddenly loosing power (and
then immediately regaining it) repeatedly from once or twice over a ten
minute period to 8 or 10 times a minute or more.  The power loss makes the
whole van shake as if I have hit a large pot hole and I have noticed that
while this is happening, the tach can drop 500-1000 rpm. >>

Roger, my man, before you do anything else, check your ignition wires.
Either spring for a new set or exchange them one at a time with a known good
wire, trying out the van each time a wire is swapped with the good one.  In
total darkness with the engine running, you might even be able to see the arc
of a leaky wire.  Oh, and also check the wire to the low side of the coil to
make certain that it has not snagged something which is placing a strain on
its connector.  In fact, shake, rattle and roll the masses of wiring in the
engine bay in an attempt to replicate the RPM dip.  And, above all else,
watch out for those necktie winders which are used to drive the engine
ancillaries.

George.