Date: Mon, 12 Nov 2012 19:30:18 -0600
Reply-To: Larry Alofs <lalofs@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Larry Alofs <lalofs@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: won't start
In-Reply-To: <20121112192902.8P33E.137224.imail@eastrmwml213>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Dave,
I have this problem with 3 different vans, a '76 bus and '80 and '84
vanagons.
In all cases the problem first appeared at the beginning of long trips
after driving for 2 hours or so. It often disappeared with more typical
day to day short trips.
Larry A.
On Mon, Nov 12, 2012 at 6:29 PM, Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@cox.net> wrote:
> Well, my bad regarding the clutch having a switch. Sorry for the
> ignorance.
>
> An update, for what it's worth. I have not really gotten into the
> situation much. Today, I cannot duplicate the problem (sounds like
> something from a dealer regarding a vehicle under warranty). When I went
> out this morning, ambient temperature 24 F, started right up, just like
> always. I drove it till it warmed to normal running temperature, shut it
> down, and it restarted fine, no evidence of a malfunction. I repeated that
> several times, then let it sit until cold. It started fine. So, maybe
> that suggests where to start a bit more? Still likely the ignition switch?
> Or the solenoid? Or just a loose wire?
>
> Thanks to all who responded already, and I'll get more into the matter
> tomorrow. Today I had to deal with a two year old furnace that decided it
> didn't want to work. But that is working now. So maybe tomorrow more time
> on the beast.
>
> mcneely
>
> ---- Scott Daniel - Turbovans <scottdaniel@turbovans.com> wrote:
> > HI Dave,
> > one place to start is ..
> > there is no switch on the clutch pedal..
> > AND ..
> > I do not recommned starting manual trans Vanagons with the clutch pedal
> > pushed down..
> > it just adds stress to things.
> > Start clutch-up-in-neutral, unless it's like 10 below zero ..
> > in which case one might hold the clutch down to eleminiate gear oil drag
> > in the starting process.
> >
> > I always just whip out my Remote Starter Switch ...
> > connect it to the trigger temrinal on the starter ---- or my cheater
> > wire in the engine compartment..
> > if you arrange that right, it can reach the alternator main post, so you
> > have your own self-rescue alternatrive circuit to energize the starter.
> >
> > plus ..that bypasses the ign sw and all the wires going from rear to
> > front in the van.
> >
> > the easiest first thing for you to is pop on another ign swtich as a
> > simple test.
> > eyeball the starter itself ..in case it looks ancient.
> >
> > check your trans ground strap and batter post connectionsof course.
> >
> > scott
> > www.turbovans.com
> >
> >
> > On 11/11/2012 4:00 PM, Dave Mcneely wrote:
> > > My 1991 Volkswagen Vanagon GL Campmobile with stock 2.1 liter engine
> and manual transmission has quit. This morning I was at a remote location
> in the Oklahoma Ozarks. I got everything packed up and ready to roll (in a
> driving rain, no less), but when I hit the ignition switch, all I got was
> the proper blinking lights and silence, a behavior I have never, never
> experienced with this beast. Not a buzz, not a click, but silence. I
> switched off and on several times, and released and depressed the clutch
> several times, and bingo -- engine turned over and the vehicle started. I
> had to buy gasoline after a drive of 50 miles or so, and the same thing
> happened. Then I drove home, parked in my driveway, and shut off the
> engine. This time no go when I tried to start it again. The same exact
> silence as before, except this time I could not find a "sweet spot" that
> would get the engine to turn over.
> > >
> > > It seemed to me as if there was no current to the starter. At this
> point, I have not explored anything, as I was pretty tired when I got here.
> Tomorrow, I'll see what gives. But, I'm asking first, where to start.
> Switch on the clutch pedal, ignition switch, wire to the starter? The
> thing ran fine all the way home in the pouring rain, lights on, everything
> seemingly normal, so I don't really suspect the battery or the charging
> system. It's almost as if something is loose, but what are the best
> candidates?
> > >
> > > Thanks, mcneely
> > >
> >
>
> --
> David McNeely
>
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