Date: Mon, 16 Jun 2014 08:47:51 -0400
Reply-To: "kenneth wilford (Van-Again)" <kenwilfy@COMCAST.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: "kenneth wilford (Van-Again)" <kenwilfy@COMCAST.NET>
Subject: Re: 88 GL - Failure to start - The Saga Continues
In-Reply-To: <539E70FE.8020608@gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
John, it sounds like a problem with the ignition to me. Like someone is
just shutting the key off after the van starts up. Of course it could be
that simple. Your ignition switch (electrical part) can fail and possibly
cause this problem. You might want to try one of those first as this is
the cheapest possibility.
You could have a loose wire on the coil. I know you just replaced it but
recheck the wire connections there. I have had a bad end connector on one
of the small black wires to the coil, cause the van to shut off when
hitting a bump. New end connector fixed this problem.
Hall Sensor or ECU. The two things beside the coil that control spark are
the hall sensor (inside the distributor) and the ECU (under the rear seat).
Unfortunately there isn't a good way to test either of these with a meter.
In fact the way I test for these is to swap in a known good unit and see
if that fixes the problem. So if you have a local person who is willing to
loan you his ECU or you have a good spare that would be something to try.
If the ECU doesn't fix it then I would suspect the hall sensor. I would
recommend getting a rebuilt distributor as doing this job yourself isn't
really easy and there may be wear inside the distributor at this point. A
rebuilt unit will give you ground zero on a part that wears out over time
and miles.
Of course, as always, we stand ready to supply your parts needs. I have
rebuilt ECUs available for $250 and rebuilt distributors available for $259
(plus core charges). I also have a supply of OE ignition switches for $29
each (they are actually not easy to get at the moment).
I look forward to helping you in the future.
Ken Wilford
John 3:16
www.vanagain.com
On Mon, Jun 16, 2014 at 12:22 AM, JRodgers <jrodgers113@gmail.com> wrote:
> Didn't get a lot done on this today - but here is what I have so far.
>
>
> Fuel Pump Check - runs when ignition is turned on
>
> Injector Test - Pulled and tested - all four injectors are discharging
>
> Coil test via Hall sender -- Coil is good
>
> Injectors pulse when coil is tested.
>
> Computer control for ignition via Hall sender - Good
>
> Fuel pressure test: 30+ psi
>
> With a brief pause after the ignition switch is turned on - the pump can
> be heard running. After waning chime turns off - ignition key turned to
> start - Engine fires - runs briefly - then quits without a sputter - as
> if it has run out of fuel.
>
> Question: is there no fuel flow after initial start up? If so, what wold
> be controlling that (ECU but how? What's happening.) Or could it be that
> there is a fuel filter problem and just as there is greater demand for
> fuel there just isn't enough coming through. Gauge says there's still 30
> + PSI
>
> The testing has begun to accumulate the data to find this problem!
>
> John
>
--
Thanks,
Ken Wilford
John 3:16
www.vanagain.com
