At 12:17 AM 4/24/2002, David Rack wrote:
>wasn't sure, but told me that it was probably the
>computer or electrical thinga-ma-ding.  I was
>wondering if it could be the points(does it have
>points), or the coil, or a fuse, or what?  any help
>would be great..thanks

There are no points.  There's a Hall-effect timing generator inside the
distributor (unlikely), a delicate connection at the distributor
(possible), an idle stabilizer module (small green or black box on wall by
coil, you can test by removing it and plugging the wires together -- if it
runs ok for a few days that way, you've prolly got your culprit), an
ignition module (black with aluminum fins, on wall), and a coil.  There's a
timing output to the ECU (engine control unit, big box of tricks forward of
left taillight) but no inputs from it, so that's not your problem.

Also, might get a can of circuit cooler, meant for diagnosing heat-related
stuff.  When she stops, cool off the ignition module and see if that brings
it back.  Could try cooling the coil too, but that's a lot of mass to cool.

david

--
David Beierl - Providence, RI
  http://pws.prserv.net/synergy/Vanagon/
'84 Westy "Dutiful Passage"
'85 GL "Poor Relation"