Date:         Fri, 22 Dec 2006 21:09:39 -0500
Reply-To:     Jack R <jack007@COMCAST.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jack R <jack007@COMCAST.NET>
Subject:      Re: Strange no-start problem
In-Reply-To:  <458C700F.6020100@verizon.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

As an owner of an 84 Westie, with the 1.9 until about 2 months ago, when Tom
installed a 2.1L for me, I have had just about EVERY problem you can think
of.  I've owned my Van since 87, and have put over 100k miles on it.  I now
have two ECU's one is practically brand new (for sale!), and one used one,
that really didn't need replacing.

As of the "Strange no-start problem" start by checking the relays, it's been
a while since I chased down problems, since my van was with-out a motor for
about 2 years. (Actually, I had a Brand new 2.5L 5cly TDI, that I had full
intention of installing, but got too busy, and it found a much better home
in a Syncro Westie).

The distributor cap is always a good spot to check, also the idle stabilizer
(easy to by-pass connecting both ends together).  The eventual death of my
1.9 was due to a #3 cylinder failure.  It was evident during a leak-down
that it was not up to snuff.  Also, flooded out, lots of white smoke, and
even less power than usual.

Once more area is the O2 sensor, wires etc.  if they get wet, and it dies,
then replace the sensor.  Check ALL vacuum hoses, they do crack under the
mesh, and it can be hard to see leaks.  They are easy to swap out.  Remove
and clean all the electrical connectors, use di-electric grease to
re-connect.

My bet is a relay, but all the other stuff can't hurt.

Please let us know what the solution is!

Best of luck to you getting it back on the road!

Jack
84 Wolfie (with a new Power Steering Line as of about 30 minutes ago).
North of Detroit.

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Mike Collum
Sent: Friday, December 22, 2006 6:54 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Strange no-start problem

BTW ... something that hasn't been mentioned ... I had an ECU that
failed on my '84 7 passenger and it caused a no start situation.
Luckily, I had another under the seat so I replaced it and was off again.

After I got home, I put the bad one back in and, sure enough, no start.

I got another "Spare" via eBay and immediately tested it in the '84.  No
start.  I moved it over to my '85.  No start.  I got the eBay seller to
replace it and the replacement works fine in both machines.  I now carry
it when I go on trips.

Mike
Houlton, Maine
'84 GL 7 pass auto
'85 GL Westy 4 spd