Date:         Wed, 28 Jan 2004 15:25:37 EST
Reply-To:     THX0001@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         George Goff <THX0001@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Won't Start After Being Off for +1 min.
Comments: To: conradk@MAC.COM
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

In a message dated 1/28/04 2:30:30 PM, conradk@MAC.COM writes:

<< After I parked it, it didn't
want to start again - same as before. I'm sure tonight when I go back
it will start right back up >>

Conrad,

These intermittent problems can be a real pain, as I am sure you are finding
out.  There is one worse scenario: the damn thing starts running fine before
you are able to locate the cause.  My suggestion is to first determine the
cause of the selective no-start in the broadest of terms.  Carry a spark plug with
you and the next time it stalls without restarting, pull the primary ignition
wire from the distributor.  Connect the primary ignition wire to the
sparkplug, ground the plug and crank it.  If you have spark, immediately reconnect the
wire and try it again to be certain it still is not starting.  With luck
(some luck), you will NOT have spark and you can then direct your attention to the
ignition system.

In my experience, a Vanagon engine will start and limp along even with the
greatest atrocities residing in the FI system.

By the way, unless you live in Miami or Malibu, did you check your fuel for
water?

George