Joy,
   In this situation you need to first check for  spark.  Remove the dis.
cap. center wire and hold the center mettle section of the wire
1/8" from a good ground.  CAUTION this can kill you.  Hold the
wire with a good insulated tool.  Have someone run the starter,
and look to see a spark.  If you get shocked, you did
not use a good insulated tool.  If you get KILLED, I warned you.
But this is the first step, any machanic will do.
                                                 Eric

Joy Hecht wrote:

>So, I finally get back on the road, made it from Boulder to Walsenburg,
>Colorado.  It's quarter to seven in the morning, and Matilda won't start.
>She started once, then the engine died.  Now she turns over but won't start.
>
>Suggestions?  Anyone know of a decent mechanic nearby?  I see from Larry's
>list a couple in Colorado Springs (further than AAA will tow, I'm almost
>sure, though maybe wrong?)
>
>Is this something that a non-VW mechanic should be able to handle?  Any
>suggestions?
>
>
>Joy
>
>*******************************************************************
>Dr. Joy E. Hecht
>Consultant on Environmental Policy and Information
>
>Email:  jhecht@alum.mit.edu
>Phone:  1-202-494-1162
>
>*******************************************************************
>
>
>
>