Date:         Mon, 31 Mar 2008 10:29:18 -0700
Reply-To:     Neil Crawford <vidublu@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Neil Crawford <vidublu@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: '81.5 Diesel 1.6, Won't start II
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

It does start.  Was waiting for a warm day to try it.  Hasn't been 60+
fahrenheit for awhile here and that's about the time my troubles begin.  I'm
too experienced with life to think it's as simple as that!  Only reason I've
not installed another battery is that I'm afraid or at least was afraid the
sidemarker lens short would kill it.  I squashed that bug Saturday and hope
it was the ONLY short.  Will recheck the signal lamps.  Think ScottTurbo
said they fill with rain too.

I've been keeping the start attempts to less than 3 seconds but I don't know
how many tries I should limit it to and how often I should try it at all.

PO said it was changed 2 months ago.  I don't necessarily believe that.  I
don't *think* the problem is the filter but we'll see.  Does have a bubble
in the line (about one inch long).  Was told it could be a leaky gasket,
loose filter or 'other'.  Doesn't feel loose.

It's turning over and almost/sometimes catching.

Compression is 200, 400, 425 & 500, If I remem correctly.  Could #1 be
'tight'?  Seems it would be 'loose'.

I just had the ground replaced and instead of replacing exactly what I had
before the mechy ran it to a new location.  I've not checked to confirm he
made good metal-metal contact.  Will.  I believe the old cable wye'd to the
case and the alternator housing.


On 3/31/08, neil N <musomuso@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Check out the diesel vanagon group:
>
> http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/Diesel-Vanagon/?yguid=292636220
>
> Lots of info there on starting troubles.
>
> Starter batteries for diesels are typically have a lot more cold
> cranking amps. But your troubles sound two-fold.
>
> Note what the symptoms were prior to the no start situation. This will
> help trouble shoot. Hard starting can be battery low, glow plugs,
> injector(s), timing, etc.
>
> Once it's running, and up to temp, does it start easily?
>
> Neil.
>
> On Mon, Mar 31, 2008 at 8:39 AM, Neil Crawford <vidublu@gmail.com> wrote:
> > Hi volks,
> >
> >  I've got a battery that's overdue and for a couple weeks now the engine
> has
> >  had a difficult time starting.  After a few tries, it'd be
> dead.  Thought it
> >  was just the battery.  I'd boost with me Saab and it'd start right
> up.  Now,
> >  I don't think so.  Even with a boost she doesn't start.  Have heard a
> single
> >  injector can prevent starting.  The PO said, and the evidence supports,
> it's
> >  had the alternator rebuilt.  I think it may need a 'valve job'.
> >
> >  Any ideas where I should begin to troubleshoot?
> >
> >
> >  Ahoy.
> >
> >  --
> >  Neil Crawford
> >  '82 Diesel Westy
> >  Me other car is Swedish
> >
>
>
>
> --
> Neil Nicholson. 1981 Air Cooled Westfalia - "Jaco"
>
> http://web.mac.com/tubaneil
> http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/
>



--
Neil Crawford
'82 Diesel Westy
Me other car is Swedish