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Subject:Re: Won't Start, 1984 Vanagon
From:Rico Sapolich
Date:Sat, 30 Dec 2000 19:03:37 EST

In a message dated 12/30/00 2:39:25 PM, kdosmm@WORLDNET.ATT.NET writes:

<< Anyone have any troubleshooting ideas? >>

Scott,

Do the easiest, most obvious first.  Check for spark.  Then pop off the
distributor cap to assess the condition of the terminals and check for
moisture.  If it is a no-name cap with aluminum terminals replace it before
going any further.  Should that seem in order, check for fuel at the fuel
line test port on top of the engine.  If there seems to be a reasonable
volume of fuel being delivered by the fuel pump, pull the injectors and check
their spray.  This is not the time to have a smoke or to be holding an
unguarded trouble light.

Check for water in your gas.  I once had problems with an '84 which defied
diagnosis until I found some pinholes on the top side of the fuel tank.
Slush would get packed into the shifter rod tunnel of the tank and as it
melted, water would drip into the tank.  For a bunch of reasons, the rough
running and hard starting caused by the watered fuel was intermittent and
unpredictable.  I am led to believe by others that rusted fuel tanks are
common in regions with real winters.

Rich

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