Lyle:

I have yet to see a bad idle stabilizer keep engine from starting.  If
engine has good compression, then it is worth some time and effort.  If you
are on original distributor, that could be much of your problem.  Make sure
you have a Bentley before going further.

John
----- Original Message -----
From: "Marion Lathem" <resiolute@COPPER.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Saturday, August 19, 2006 10:06 PM
Subject: Re: 1985 Vanagon GL

> The idle stabilizer, is that the black box, you hook the plugs together to
> use a timing light...?  Also there is something that plugs in, under the
> throttle body..?
>
> I'm thinking, I'm dealing with a problem that has been compounded by
> several
> attempts to repair it, by folks without a manual ( Bentley )..?
>
> I'm thinking, I need to start fresh with the electronics...and if my
> memory
> is right, if I can't get that crankshaft pulley off, if it does leak like
> a
> sieve...I just need to start over with another engine and electronics.
> The
> ideal thing would be a Subie conversion, but unless I can put it together
> from parts I find locally or make myself... this VW.. is once again
> junk...back to the salvage yard.  Most likely I won't have the heart to
> part
> with it, I will just keep in the hopes an engine will show up.  I know the
> switch is bad too, the started won't engage from the key either.  This
> poor
> thing has been terribly abused.  It would be good to get it running... I
> am
> beginning to wonder...?
> Lyle Lathem
> 1985 Vanagon GL
> Quinlan, Texas
>