>cranking the engine with coil wire disconnected at distributor cap and
>grounded to block with a clip lead is fine, but leaving the disconnected
>end open puts too much stress on ignition module.

That is how I do it, having learned from past experiences :-) but it never
hurts to point that out and make it clear for any observers. Thanks.

>insurance is expensive, and it would be great to know the company that
>offers 4 days/month at a flat fee. i'm sure many on the list, especially
>multi vehicle owners, have been faced with this problem. the trick of
>transfering a policy from one vehicle to another, and then back again in
>a few days, soon wears thin with insurance companies.

I use Allstate, and they will put any of my covered vehicles into a
"suspended mode" wherein all coverages are maintained, except liability.
Comprehensive stuff, like a tree falling on it, or someone smashing the
glass is maintained. They allow it to be driven with the liability
coverage for 4 days a month, a full 24 hours in each day, so long as I let
them know ahead of time. Only takes a call during the day, or a message on
their machine after hours.  The premium for my van is $65 a year, and in
my financial state, that lets me get my vanagon fix now and then, and
saves a lot of money. I usually 'save' my days till the end of the month,
and the last time I called, I mentioned I was taking a trip, and she
pointed out that if I wanted to, I could take the last four days, and the
first four of the next month if I ever  wanted a nice long vacation. I am
keeping that in mind :-)

I assume that most insurance companies offer something similar, but I
doubt if they publicize it, but as you said, most companies don't put up
with on and off again coverage, so they have to provide some kind of
alternative. Maybe if others call their agents and get the scoop, that
info could be posted here to enlighten others?

John