Sounds like a fuel delivery problem to me.  Could be a plugged line, a bad
fuel pump, or a fuel pump relay.  Have someone check to see if the fuel pump
is working when you crank the engine.  If it's not working, check to see if
you have power to the pump during cranking.

Good Luck

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM]On Behalf
Of LBMelman
Sent: Saturday, November 30, 2002 3:51 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: '90 Van-Cranks but will not start...

The problem began when the engine would seem to suddenly lose power whilst
driving on the freeway and then power would resume.

A week would pass and then it would happen again. Finally, it would crank
but not start.

After towing the vehicle to the repair shop the engine started right up. Now
a week later, again it cranks but will not start.

At first I thought it was an electrical problem and may have steered the
repair shop in the wrong direction as now I think it could be fuel related.

Perhaps the fuel pick-up at the gas tank becomes plugged as sediment
settles. In fact, the last time I started the engine it ran for a couple of
minutes while at an idle and then stopped. As if it had started and ran only
on the fuel remaining in the lines.

Any similar occurances out there or recommendations what to look at first?

Larry