oliver:

chances are starter is bad. a good test is to check voltage across the
battery terminals themselves before cranking, and then while cranking.
voltage should drop somehat, maybe from 12.3 V down to 11.3 V or so when
cranking. now try this with engine hot, when there is no cranking; if no
voltage drop, then no continuity to motor windings -  probably internally -
but perhaps due to a bad solenoid. solenoid should at least make clicking
sounds.

if there is a big voltage drop when cranking (or attempting top crank),
say from 12.3 V down to 9 or 10 V, then battery is probably bad due to too
large an internal resistance.

if a jump helps, then bad or marginal battery more likely the culprit.

i am assuming all obvious connections/battery terminals clean and tight,
of course. one time i was talking to a neighbor who was having a devil of
a time with his wife's cadillac not cranking. i was kind of supporting
myself on the positive  terminal of the battery when he tried cranking,
and it got warm. sure enough, the terminal had just a little contact
resistance, i guess due to corrosion, maybe .03 ohm or so is all it takes,
and that was the culprit - an easy fix. we actually measured a few volt
drop across the "gap" formed by the positive top post battery terminal and
the connector on the heavy battery cable.

dan

On Mon, 8 Nov 2004 12:35:31 -0500, Oliver Balson <OJBalson@AOL.COM> wrote:

>I am new to this list but used to be involved with the type2list.
>
>My name is Oliver Balson -- I have a 90 vanagon and 2500 miles ago
installed the tiico engine conversion.  I have a strange starting problem
that has come up since the tiico conversion.  I'd love some feedback on,
as I am STUCK!
>
>
>Around town, I have no problem -- van starts 100% of the time.  However,
whenever I drive the van hard (70mph) for at least an hour, the van will
not start once turned off!  It will not even turn over.  I have replaced
the battery, starter, ingnition switch, and all electrical up front checks
out. This has happened every road trip.
>
>This past weekend, we pulled over to help a flat tire victim at 1am and
the van would not crank back up!  We got a police escourt to the nearest
hotel, and the next morning (8 hrs later) I tinkered with the van, but no
luck.  I had 12.3 v at the battery, 12.3 v going into the starter, but no
turning over at all.  A few hours later, we were towed 75 miles, and once
the car was unloaded, it started right up.  This is very frustating, as it
happens at the worst possible time and I am at a loss.
>
>I am wondering if any experts have some ideas -- could something be
locking up when the engine/trans? gets good and hot?  The starter will not
turn over at all.  I'm certain this is not an ignition/electrical problem,
as we've checked all grounds, even added an extra engine grounding strap.
etc.? I also notice a lot more vibration in the gear shifter in the front
of the van.   I am wondering if somehow the friction on the tranny is
related?
>highway, it will not restart afterward.
>
>Any response would be appreciated!
>Please help! Thanks so much.  Oliver