Ok, I had a very similar problem I just solved with my VW (I posted a
request because my Van dies while on the Highway).  In my case the three
wires that leave the distributor were grounding.  The wires are suppose to
be protected by a rubber boot, but that boot has disintegrated.  Purchasing
some rubber tape fixed the problem.

I would check all of the electrical wires that control the fuel injection
system.  If you can, purchase a good book on Bosh fuel injection systems.  I
have two I picked up from Borders.   Also, make sure you own a good
volt-meter (RadioShack sells them).

You can check the fuel system by connecting a fuel gauge to the T-Connector.
My guess is it is not related to the fuel system.

Good luck,

Paul

----- Original Message -----
From: "Randy Herd" <randyherd@HOTMAIL.COM>
Newsgroups: groupstudy.vanagon
Sent: Tuesday, January 16, 2001 10:48 AM
Subject: 86 running problem

> On Saturday my 86 started an occasional miss.  The tach would drop to zero
> and then jump back up.
>
> Last night it started sputtering and after I got it home it would start
and
> die in less than one second.  After that It would just crank with no
> starting.
>
> I pulled the coil wire and there was no spark to the block when cranking.
I
> used my spare 53 relay and swapped them all round with no effect.  I then
> replaced the coil.  It will start and die and then crank without starting
> until after it sits for a while.  I can hear the fuel pump kicking in.
>
> Since it sort of starts, why is there no coil wire spark to the block.  Is
> this a fuel problem (filter). I need a hint.
>
> Randy
>
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