So I got some great suggestions - maybe bad grounds, maybe bad
alternator, try measuring the voltage across the terminals with the
engine running . . .

So I go out tonight and try and start it, and the battery indicator
light reads poor, and it won't start.  Turns over quickly, but won't
catch.  Yesterday when it did catch the tach was bouncing all over
the place although the engine was running smoothly.

The battery is relatively new, but I've never replaced the alternator
or starter since I bought the van in 1993.  Never had a reason to.

Does this shed any light on the grounds vs. alternator theory?  Or
anything else?

Thanks again
Jeff

On 15-Jul-07, at 4:54 PM, Jeff Palmer wrote:

> Well, I'm 1600 emails behind with not much chance in catching up at
> this point . . .
>
> So my 85 Westfalia seems to be running a little slow electrically-
> speaking.  Dash lights a little dimmer, windshield wipers a little
> slower.  Lately the CD player has even been cutting out when I hit
> the brakes, headlights etc. (it will come back on within a second or
> two).
>
> Any suggestions?  Seems to start fine.  I mean, as well as it ever
> did.
>
> Thanks in advance
> Jeff
> 85 Westfalia
> 69 notchback
> 03 Beetle