Because the tach drops to zero when the problem occurs, the engine is
losing it's ignition electrically.

It could be the Hall sender or the wiring in or where it exits the
distributor ... or

It could be a failing ignition switch ... or

It could be a bad solder joint inside the ECU ... among other things.

Mike

Zoltan wrote:
> Sorry, I did not mention that the car is a 1988 van.  Yes, Vanagon.  What
> else.
> So far, I only got message about Hall sender or its wiring as the most
> possible fault.
> Anything else?
> Zoltan
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Zoltan" <zolo@FOXINTERNET.NET>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Monday, October 02, 2006 9:15 AM
> Subject: Tach goes down, engine cuts out, then back again ...
>
>
> Hi guys,
> A friend of mine has written me a frantic email.
> His car cuts out and I can't tell him what it can cause it.
> He says, the tachometer drops, the engine cuts out, than back again.
> So, he
> can't drive it and it drives him nuts.
> Any advice?
> Somehow, when it comes to electronics, I am baffled.
> Zoltan
>
>
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>