Date:         Thu, 17 Jun 2004 10:34:20 -0400
Reply-To:     Cory Sammons <slagskot@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Cory Sammons <slagskot@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Please Help!  Starting problems 84 Westy
Content-type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

Sorry of this is a bit long, but I want everyone to have all of the info
before responding.

84 Westy 1.9L

Has had problems starting for a while.  Sounds like a dead battery but might
start like a dream 5 minutes later.  About a week ago I performed the
battery terminal and ground wire scrubbing procedure described in some of
the archives.  Thought I had my problem solved - she started fine until
yesterday.  Yesterday, after reinstalling my freshly cleaned fuel injectors,
new fuel filter, new rotor, distributor cap, wires and plugs I drove her
about 10 miles into town.  3 stops and no starting problems.  Drove 1.5
hours, parked for 2 hours, started right up.  Drove 10 more highway miles,
parked for 30 min and she would not start.  Again, sounded like a dead
battery - not much cranking power but lights etc seemed to be strong.  Tried
disconnecting the TS as discussed several times.  Waited 1 minute - no start
- still low cranking power.  Came back 2 hours later, turned right over
(still disconnected TS).  Got up this morning (8 hours later) would not
start - same symptoms (TS still disconnected).  Tried again 2 minutes later
and fired right up (TS still disconnected).

What is going on here??

A few other details:
Battery about 11 months old - re tested by shop and seems ok
Alternator 6 months old reads ok on bench test at shop
Starter about a year old installed by trusted mechanic
Fuel pump about 2 years old is audible as key is turned
Thermostat does not read too hot or anything

PLEASE help!  I am supposed to hit the road today for a couple of months of
travel and need to be confident that I can stop for gas and get going again!

Thanks to all in advance
Cory Sammons