Thanks to everyone for all the help.  This morning
I went out early and did these things.

1.  Pulled ground strap from engine, sanded the
    ends, reinstalled it.
2.  Pulled tranny ground strap, sanded, reinstalled.
3.  Replaced coil with coil from 87 GL.
4.  Started engine.  Ran and idled fine.  Drove
    it around, no surges, no problems.  Even
    after a 10 mile drive, running good.  May
    have that problem solved (I do hope so).
    Don't know if it was the ground or coil, but
    I'm happy.  O2 sensor is still disconnected,
    so that may turn out to the monster.
5.  Got ready to drive again and it would not
    start.  Battery is good.  Solenoid was not
    engaging.  Crawled up under bus and used
    screwdriver to short solenoid.  This caused
    starter to jump.  Got back in and started up
    fine.  Drove to FLAPS to get some shop towels.
    Got ready to leave, starter began to drag.
    Finally would turn no more. Would not start.
6.  Pulled starter in FLAPS parking lot.  Tested
    "weak" (just over 10 volts).  FLAPS did not
    have one in stock (of course not).  Paid
    $50 to have Billy towed home (2 miles).
7.  $#*@($*!!!

The covering on the large wire coming to the
starter is cracked and brittle.  How hard is
this to replace?  It comes out of a large
tube full of wires.  From the size it looks
like it must come straight from the battery.

I'm fully engaged in this battle and I'm not
backing away from it now . . .

Kindest regards,

Warren Lail
88 Westy "Billy Bones"
87 GL "Long John"