Date:         Fri, 21 Dec 2012 08:18:05 -0800
Reply-To:     Donna Skarloken <dskarloken@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Donna Skarloken <dskarloken@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      87 Syncro - Vanagon-type Syndrome and Questions
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Happy Friday to everyone - I have questions and somewhat of a dilemma.  I
am a non-mechanic female and was told by my spouse that I cannot spend any
more money on fixing our Syncro.  The dilemma is whether I can learn to fix
some things myself and keep the repair cost down generally.  Currently I
need to drive my syncro to a train station to get to work and cannot
because a Vanagon-type syndrome has reappeared after a month of no symptoms
(my commute car is in a shop, no idea when I'll get it back or in what
shape, so I am having to borrow cars to get to work - not a good
situation).  I need to diagnose and if possible fix this myself.  I do have
occasional access to my mechanic neighbor for help.

Can someone please give me a list of where all the ground points are?  I
did was able to check the ground strap that goes from the side under the
coil to the motor and it seems fine.  There is one little green wire that
goes into a whole bunch of wires that go to the ground strap under the coil
that looks as if it could have a crack in it, but when I wiggle it when the
engine is running, there is no effect on the running of the motor.

The syndrome does not appear until the syncro is warmed up, say about 15
minutes into my commute, and running at freeway speed, although one day
idling in street traffic it did die but started right back up.  Sometimes
the cut-out is real quick, other times it shakes the motor rather
violently.  There is no consistency as I might drive it today and have no
misfire or cut-out at all, but the next trip it may happen about 3-4
times.  It is about 35 miles one-way to the train station I use.

As always I appreciate the help and this list has been invaluable.  Happy
Holidays.

Donna, 87 Syncro