Put a fuel pressure tester on the pump outlet end, and see if you have any
pressure. Just because it whirs, doesn't mean its got any pressure. They
usually quit just as you are describing. You can go and buy a water pressure
gauge from HomeDepot that is meant to put in a water line, and use that.
Hook up a piece of rubber hose and clamp it on the back of the pressure
gauge, clamp the other end onto the fuel pump outlet and crank the
engine/starter. If you have no pressure, buy another pump. Ask me how I know
this. :-)
Courtney

----- Original Message -----
From: "Geza Polony" <gezapolony@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, December 22, 2006 2:22 PM
Subject: Strange no-start problem

> Volks,
>
> Sorry this post is long, but I'd appreciate some help on this one--I'm
> clueless. Problem: my '84 1.9 WBX won't start. Yesterday it ran well once
> started. It always used to cold-start perfectly, like one revolution,
> under
> any conditions. Quite impressive--almost too good to be true.
>
> 4-5 days ago I began messing with the fuel pump/fuel filter and it was
> around that time the van began to show more difficulty in starting. I
> think,
> but am not certain,  the problem showed up before the fuel delivery system
> work. Progressive worsening until today, I can't get it to start at all.
>
> Replaced fuel filter, cleaned ground at pump, clean hot pump
> wire/connector.
> Fuel pump flow test checks ok. Relay is ok (at least the pump functions
> when
> ignition is on.)
>
> New pressure regulator. Replaced high pressure fuel hoses from regulator
> to
> injector rails. HEET in gas tank a week ago. Lucas gas treatment in gas
> three days ago. Techron in gas yesterday.
>
> Recently replaced thermostat; temp II sensor is good. New AFM, all vacuum
> hoses checked and clamped.
>
> I pulled one plug after trying to start and it was dry, otherwise normal
> in
> color.
>
>
> Could I have gotten some crap in the fuel injectors while messing with the
> fuel lines? Could this explain no start condition (I'd guess No, as it
> would
> start on at least three cylinders even if one was clogged.)
>
> Also, the plastic connector for the three wires coming out of the
> distributor was cracked. Thinking I might have bumped the wires together
> when replacing the regulator, I wrapped them back up with electrical tape.
>
> Thanks for any and all advice on this one. My frustration level is on
> orange, soon to be red. I HATE it when this van doesn't run! (And love it
> when it does!)
>
>
> Geza