Date:         Sat, 25 Feb 2017 12:25:41 -0800
Reply-To:     Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Dem ole Vanagon blues
Comments: To: ed donnen <spliced.surprise@GMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <CAFwVvJCaRq+tAJ83wHbbmjxdD_4kTR1x817D=k_J47BT0PMq-Q@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"

Intermittent problems are always a challenge. Here's what I'd do. First, get a new ignition switch and test it by simply removing the steering column cover and connect the switch plug to it. If that doesn’t fix it you'll have the spare switch you should carry anyway!  Or, if you can read the wiring diagram in the Bentley, you can jump the plug contacts with wires.

Do you hear the fuel pump for a second or so when you turn the switch to "on" with the new switch?  If not, you need to chase electrical voltages starting at the relays in the black box in the engine compartment.  "Logical trouble shooting" is basically do the easy stuff first, and those relays are cheap. Order two with your switch.

Stuart

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of ed donnen
Sent: Saturday, February 25, 2017 8:49 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Dem ole Vanagon blues

I'm thinking about an instrument cluster that will tell me what's happening to my 91 2.1L DoKa as I drive.  Here's the problem:

Starts right away.  A block later we die.  Sometimes starts again, sometimes not.  Sometimes idles at stop signs, sometimes not.  If I park for 5 minutes, maybe we start again, maybe not.

It's time I solve this problem.  So the problem might be electrical, or
maybe fuel-trical.   Fuel-trical?  Fuel-trackle?  Well, a fuel problem.

Is there a diagnostic cluster I can put on my dash so I can monitor my engine?  Or lacking that, what is the first steps in driving diagnostics?

ed-91 DoKa, mostly parked in my driveway.