Worn spark plugs with a gap that is way too large can cause very hard starting with normal running once warmed up. Lots of time can be wasted on other mis-diagnoses. BTDT Dust and dirt that accumulates on ignition wires plus condensed moisture adds up to a conductive path for the high voltage sparks. I believe the best temporary solution is to wipe the wires, distributor cap, and coil with paper towels and isopropyl alcohol, the highest percentage you can find. A more permanent fix involves new wires. Larry A.
On Fri, Aug 5, 2016 at 7:06 AM, Mark Pinnell <mark.stuart.pinnell@gmail.com> wrote: > Currently 1500 miles from home and Pearl, our 85 Vanagon, (1.9 L with AT) > is having great difficulty starting after sitting all night. She turns over > OK, but has trouble firing and 'catching'. Once she has started, she idles > and runs fine all day, and easily catches and starts for the rest of the > day. As we are currently in a maritime environment, I suspected dampness, > so have used WD40 to try to wick the moisture from electronic components > (distributor, plug wires, coil, etc...). She seems to be getting air, fuel > and spark (although I have not pulled a plug to actually test for spark, I > am basing it on smooth running for the rest of the day...) > If anyone has a similar issue and has any thoughts, they would be greatly > appreciated. > Mark > |
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