Date: Tue, 8 Nov 2022 21:25:42 -0500
Reply-To: Mark Pinnell <mark.stuart.pinnell@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Mark Pinnell <mark.stuart.pinnell@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: 1985 Vanagon 1.9l Digijet No Start
In-Reply-To: <BE0D8FC9-DE96-472B-A7D2-7E0A9D624E42@comcast.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
Here is the list that I have compiled from forum members. They are not in
any particular order.
It seems that my issue was a combination of a worn out rotor, and two spark
plug wires that had also seen better days. Have ordered new plugs, wires,
rotor, and distributor cap. Will arrive Thursday. Probably will pick up a
coil and fuel pump over the winter to supplement the parts that I travel
with.
The List
Pull a plug(s) and check for spark.
Pull injectors and check for fuel.
Swap in a new (or a spared fuel pressure regulator)
Check the airflow meter. Make sure the electrical connection is secure.
Make sure that the S-shaped boot from the box that connects the airflow
meter to the throttle body is secure on both ends.
Look at the big connector that goes into the fuel injection module (it was
behind the left taillight on my '84). If the connector contacts are dirty,
you will get the same symptoms.
Check the TPS (throttle position switch) - you must hear a click as soon as
you move the accelerator.
Check all small vacuum hoses.
Check the large rubber elbow from the AFM to the throttle body for any
crack. Cracks are more obvious to the engine when the ambient temperature
drops in the winter. You could seal the cracks with silicone sealant.
Check the connector to the AFM - it may look clean but a squirt of
electronic cleaner won't do any harm.
Check the timing, the distributor cap and rotor.
For testing... spray some starter fluid at the intake after the air filter.
Check the coil, rotor and distributor wire(s) for resistance, as per
Bentley 28.XX
If you have (or borrow) a spare coil, put it in for testing.
If you plan to put in new spark plugs, suggest NGK 1263 BP6ET, 3 prong
plugs, no gapping needed.
Check the ignition switch by doing this:
Get a new (or a spare one), remove the connector plug under the switch on
the steering column. Plug the new switch to the connector.Put the key in
and turn it to full. Use a flat screwdriver in the top slot of the new
switch and turn it on.
Check the parking switch at the bottom of the gear selector. You have to
remove the gear selector box and use a wire to bypass the switch
Do these two one at a time so you can find out which one is bad.
Fixed a friend's van one with the symptom "crank but no start" by replacing
the gear selector switch.
Regards,
Mark
On Mon, Nov 7, 2022, 10:15 PM Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net> wrote:
> Thank you,
>
> A good list.
>
> Keep us posted.
>
> Eric Caron
>
>
>
> On Nov 7, 2022, at 7:23 PM, Mark Pinnell <mark.stuart.pinnell@gmail.com>
> wrote:
>
> Hi Eric,
> Here's Dan's suggestions...
>
> Here are things to check (some of them are already suggested by others on
> this forum or you have already done)...
> - check the TPS (throttle position switch) - you must hear a click as soon
> as you move the accelerator.
> - check all small vacuum hoses.
> - check the large rubber elbow from the AFM to the throttle body for any
> crack. Cracks are more obvious to the engine when the ambient temperature
> drops in the winter. You could seal the cracks with silicone sealant.
> - check the connector to the AFM - it may look clean but a squirt of
> electronic cleaner won't do any harm.
> - check the timing, the distributor cap and rotor.
> - for testing... spray some starter fluid at the intake after the air
> filter.
>
>
> On Mon, Nov 7, 2022, 5:50 PM Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net> wrote:
>
>> Hi Mark,
>>
>> If possible can you include Dan’s suggestions in your reply? I’m storing
>> away for future use!
>>
>> Eric
>>
>>
>> > On Nov 7, 2022, at 4:59 PM, Mark Pinnell <mark.stuart.pinnell@GMAIL.COM>
>> wrote:
>> >
>> > Thanks, Dan.
>> > Just now going over the Bentley to put together my next round of
>> diagnostic
>> > checks. Coil, rotor and distributor wire(s) resistance, etc.
>> > Thought about the starting fluid to ascertain fuel issue, but wasn't
>> sure
>> > if that was recommended or not. I'll add it to the list.
>> > It may be Wednesday before it happens as I was reminded that we spend
>> > tomorrow with our two year old granddaughter, so Pearl will have to wait
>> > another day... No contest.
>> > Thanks again. All suggestions are greatly appreciated.
>> > Mark
>> >
>> > On Mon, Nov 7, 2022, 4:44 PM Dan N <dn92610@gmail.com> wrote:
>> >
>> >> hi Mark,
>> >>
>> >> Here are things to check (some of them are already suggested by others
>> on
>> >> this forum or you have already done)...
>> >> - check the TPS (throttle position switch) - you must hear a click as
>> soon
>> >> as you move the accelerator.
>> >> - check all small vacuum hoses.
>> >> - check the large rubber elbow from the AFM to the throttle body for
>> any
>> >> crack. Cracks are more obvious to the engine when the ambient
>> temperature
>> >> drops in the winter. You could seal the cracks with silicone sealant.
>> >> - check the connector to the AFM - it may look clean but a squirt of
>> >> electronic cleaner won't do any harm.
>> >> - check the timing, the distributor cap and rotor.
>> >> - for testing... spray some starter fluid at the intake after the air
>> >> filter.
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> On Mon, Nov 7, 2022 at 1:00 PM Mark Pinnell <
>> mark.stuart.pinnell@gmail.com>
>> >> wrote:
>> >>
>> >>> Hi Dan,
>> >>> I don't have either of those options, but if it comes down to it,
>> then I
>> >>> can't see any harm in buying another coil to have in my traveling
>> arsenal
>> >>> of spare parts. We'll see what tomorrow brings...
>> >>> Mark
>> >>>
>> >>> On Mon, Nov 7, 2022, 3:55 PM Dan N <dn92610@gmail.com> wrote:
>> >>>
>> >>>> If you have (or borrow) a spare coil, put it in for testing.
>> >>>>
>> >>>> On Mon, Nov 7, 2022 at 12:46 PM Mark Pinnell <
>> >>>> mark.stuart.pinnell@gmail.com> wrote:
>> >>>>
>> >>>>> Hi John,
>> >>>>> Connections look good and the boot is secure on both ends, but no
>> joy.
>> >>>>> It
>> >>>>> turns over very easily and it sure sounds like it wants to go...
>> >>>>> Seasonal temperatures tomorrow, so I will pull that large connector
>> and
>> >>>>> go
>> >>>>> through the tests in the Bentley as well as confirm spark and fuel
>> again
>> >>>>> (as it almost has to be one or the other). I do all of the grounds
>> every
>> >>>>> spring, but I'll do them again just in case. Can't hurt.
>> >>>>> Thanks again for your suggestions. They are appreciated.
>> >>>>> Mark
>> >>>>>
>> >>>>> On Mon, Nov 7, 2022, 2:22 PM John Lauterbach <
>> john@jhl.mgacoxmail.com>
>> >>>>> wrote:
>> >>>>>
>> >>>>>> Hello Mark,
>> >>>>>>
>> >>>>>> I had an '84 1.9L with automatic transmission, and had the same
>> >>>>> problem a
>> >>>>>> few times. First thing I would check is the airflow meter. Make
>> >>>>> sure the
>> >>>>>> electrical connection is secure. Second thing is to make sure that
>> >>>>> the
>> >>>>>> S-shaped boot from the box that connects the airflow meter to the
>> >>>>> throttle
>> >>>>>> body is secure on both ends. If those connections are good, take a
>> >>>>> look at
>> >>>>>> the big connector that goes into the fuel injection module (it was
>> >>>>> behind
>> >>>>>> the left taillight on my '84). If the connector contacts are
>> dirty,
>> >>>>> you
>> >>>>>> will get the same symptoms.
>> >>>>>>
>> >>>>>> John
>> >>>>>>
>> >>>>>>
>> >>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>> >>>>>> *From*: Mark Pinnell <mark.stuart.pinnell@GMAIL.COM
>> >>>>>> <Mark%20Pinnell%20%3cmark.stuart.pinnell@GMAIL.COM%3e>>
>> >>>>>> *Reply-To*: Mark Pinnell <mark.stuart.pinnell@GMAIL.COM
>> >>>>>> <Mark%20Pinnell%20%3cmark.stuart.pinnell@GMAIL.COM%3e>>
>> >>>>>> *To*: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>> >>>>>> *Subject*: 1985 Vanagon 1.9l Digijet No Start
>> >>>>>> *Date*: Mon, 7 Nov 2022 07:11:18 -0500
>> >>>>>>
>> >>>>>> Hi All,
>> >>>>>> Looking for suggestions/next steps. Pearl has been running like a
>> top
>> >>>>> for
>> >>>>>> 10K miles this summer, until last Tuesday...
>> >>>>>> Fired right up as usual, but when I put her in gear (automatic
>> >>>>>> transmission), she stalled and has not started since. Managed to
>> >>>>> flood her
>> >>>>>> and drain the battery in the process, but after letting her sit,
>> and
>> >>>>>> charging the battery, and trying to boost her over the last few
>> days,
>> >>>>> she
>> >>>>>> still has me stumped. Have pulled, cleaned and gapped the plugs and
>> >>>>> checked
>> >>>>>> for spark (looked surprisingly good).
>> >>>>>> Also put in a new fuel filter since I had one, and tested the
>> >>>>> injectors and
>> >>>>>> got the textbook cone spray.
>> >>>>>> As she was running fine up to that point with no signs of anything
>> >>>>> failing,
>> >>>>>> so I am not sure what to check next.
>> >>>>>> As I have a couple times in the past, I throw it out to the
>> collective
>> >>>>>> knowledge of the group to see what your thoughts are.
>> >>>>>> At home with no trips planned, so certainly not an emergency. I
>> >>>>> normally
>> >>>>>> put her in storage well before the first snowfall, and would like
>> to
>> >>>>> solve
>> >>>>>> this latest puzzle before doing that.
>> >>>>>> Thanks in advance for your help,
>> >>>>>> Mark
>> >>>>>>
>> >>>>>> (I sent this two days ago, then realized that it wasn't going
>> through
>> >>>>> to
>> >>>>>> list members when I received no response. Thanks to Jim for getting
>> >>>>> that
>> >>>>>> sorted out.)
>> >>>>>>
>> >>>>>>
>> >>>>>
>> >>>>
>>
>>
>
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