Paul..My recolection is the the automatic trans will not turn the engine
over coasting..The trannys oil pump is turned by the torque convertor ( its
not a lockup convertor) which in turn is turned by the engine...Hence no
power transfer from wheels to engine unless the eng is running.
If your quick enough on the key then maybe there is still enough rotational
force to restart it, but don't recall ever having been sucsessful a it.
Typical Vanagon syndrome problem..AFM issue ?? grounds ??

Daryl of AA Transaxle
(425) 788-4070
aatransaxle.com
86 Syncro Westy
Zetec in the trunk
----- Original Message -----
From: "Paul Guzyk" <paullist08@GUZYK.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Thursday, August 06, 2009 6:34 AM
Subject: 1.9 automatic vanagon syndrome ??

> I'm driving my 85 westy with AT at freeway speed, 65ish.
>
> Once in a while the engine hesitates/bucks and/or dies.
>
> While "coasting" I then turn the key off, then on, the engine comes back
> to life and works normally until the next hesitation session...
>
> Can a fast moving AT van allow the engine to re-start in motion without
> the starter?
>
> And what do you think is the root of my problem?