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Date:   Tue, 3 Jun 2014 18:25:48 -0500
Reply-To:   mcneely4@COX.NET
Sender:   Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:   Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@COX.NET>
Subject:   Re: 88 GL - manual tranny - fail to start
Comments:   To: Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@GMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:   <9yhs1o00q08X5Fr01yhvYc>
Content-Type:   text/plain; charset=utf-8

Why an OLD plug? I usually just pull the plug in question, put it in the boot, and lay it on the engine. On the waterboxer, I have a starter switch in front of the license plate, so I can crank from there (with the ignition switch on and the transmission in neutral, with the parking brake set). mcneely

---- Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@GMAIL.COM> wrote: > Probably no spark since you have fuel. Test for spark while cranking. You > can use an old plug resting on the engine somewhere for ground, or be > sophisticated and get one of these: > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teydRVfEcX8 I've found tools like this to be > very useful, and after being zapped a few too many times by 40,000 to > 100,000 volts I've learned its value. > > Heat soaked coils can cause this (BTDT, I once could not restart after a > bridge opening and the cop that pushed me off blamed me for the backup when > it was really the bridge!!) as can high resistance corroded connections or a > heat sensitive ECU (not likely though, they either work or they don't). > > Look at it as a challenge, and you can outsmart these gremlins. Just follow > logical trouble shooting procedures: do the simplest and cheapest things > first! > > Stuart > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of > JRodgers > Sent: Tuesday, June 03, 2014 3:07 PM > To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM > Subject: 88 GL - manual tranny - fail to start > > Yargh! Here we go again - me and my vans. > > Ok. The situation. Very hot day. Parked in the Wally world parking lot and > went inside. Came back out, key in the ignition, ignition on - check idiot > lights, listen for fuel pump to pressurize the fuel system, key to start > position......... > > Grind, Grind, Grind......Nothing! > > Key off. Wait a few -- then re-cycle.......Grind, Grind, Grind. > > Tried a third time - same-o, same-o! Grind, Grind, Grind. > > Key, off - then back to "On". Race to the rear, pop the hatch, open engine > bay, crack the bolt on the fuel "T" on to p of the engine. Lot's of fuel. > Tightened the bolt. Turned off ignition, Closed it all up, looked for loose > wires. Nada! > > Being by myself, I could not very well turn the engine to check for spark at > plugs nor coil. > > Let it sit for an hour while I went and had a Subway Sandwich for lunch. > Then back at it. > > Key in, turn on, lights and pump, key to ignition --------- > > Fired right up. Drove home. > > Question: how the devil do you hunt for something as intermittent as that. > > Thanks, > > John

-- David McNeely


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