I sure would like to encourage people to TEST some things, do some
measurements, look for some voltages or signals here and there, rather than
just throw parts at your vanagon.

For example, if you think the fuel pump isn't being turned on, you just hot
wire the pump and see if that makes the car run. If it does, then you work
on why the f. pump isn't getting a signal.
OR, you hot wire it and notice it doesn't go, or it won't go until you whack
it with a small hammer, or it's noisy, etc...., based on what you get there,
you do something logical.  ( I would always keep one known-good used fuel
pump around, btw ) .but in any case, you figure out a way to intelligently
interact with the system.
Just like a tail light bulb.
I suppose most people just run out and buy a bulb and stick it in and see if
that fixes it.
The 'intelligent' way to fix a tail light that's out is to remove the old
bulb, inspect for corrosion, test there's 12 volts on the metal thingey the
bulb touches, test the old bulb on the battery with a jumper wire, etc.  and
find out where the real problem is, then take the right action.
Same with fuel injection, it's just a little more complicated, and you do
need a few tools and tricks, and test equipment,  to be able to
intelligently interact with the system.  
Better a diagnose mentality than a 'throw parts at it ' mentality.
Consumers just hate it when they know professional shops are just guessing
and throwing parts at their car.  It's a very expensive way to fix cars.  
Scott 

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
khgo50
Sent: Sunday, September 16, 2007 12:25 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Starting problems with 88 Vanagon (Wolfberg Ed) with 90,000 ml

I've been having problems with starting, where if I don't hear the humming
(after turning the key) before cranking, it will not start. But once in
awhile when this humming sound comes on, it will invariably start. Its no
telling when will it "starting humming" before cranking. On this one
occasion when it did start, I drove around the neighborhood and after about
2 miles, it died, while in motion. After repeated attempts, it would not
even attempt to crank. I let it "cool off" for 30 min.and then turned the
key, no hum but I continued to crank and after 45-60 sec. it started! I've
just replaced the ignition switch. No help. In the past I've changed the
relay to fuel pump, replaced a new fuel pump, new cables & spark plugs, new
distributor cap with rotor, new battery.

Any help is greatly appreciated?

--
With warm regards
khgo50