Low battery will turn engine slower and not create enough compression to
start.  Good battery and big cables to starter / good grounds are first
thing that needs to be in place.

If it still starts hard, 9 times out of 10 it's a burned out glow plug in 1
or 2 cylinders.  Lots in the archives about how to check and change.  If you
can't find it, let me know and I'll find some time to write up a
description.

If glow plugs all are hot, then most likely causes in no particular order
are low compression / tired engine (check compression - should be 425+ and
all cylinders close to each other), sticky stop solenoid, pump loses prime
while sitting cold, timing off.  Lots of other causes that are fairly rare.

Chris

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Neil Crawford
Sent: Monday, March 31, 2008 10:40 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: '81.5 Diesel 1.6, Won't start

Hi volks,

I've got a battery that's overdue and for a couple weeks now the engine has
had a difficult time starting.  After a few tries, it'd be dead.  Thought it
was just the battery.  I'd boost with me Saab and it'd start right up.  Now,
I don't think so.  Even with a boost she doesn't start.  Have heard a single
injector can prevent starting.  The PO said, and the evidence supports, it's
had the alternator rebuilt.  I think it may need a 'valve job'.

Any ideas where I should begin to troubleshoot?

Ahoy.

--
Neil Crawford
'82 Diesel Westy
Me other car is Swedish