The battery cable was loose. Keep them tight and it won't re-occur.  =)

On Tue, Jan 5, 2010 at 6:06 PM, Kevin Gilbert <kggilbert@myactv.net> wrote:

> Vangoneers,
>
> After fulfilling all holiday family commitments, I decided I deserved
> an overnighter in the Maryland mountains Monday. My '84 Westy went
> dead at the gas pump on my way out of town.
>
> I turned the key, heard a 'snap' from somewhere, and lost all power. I
> pushed the van away from the pumps, and spent time checking fuses,
> relays, wiring, ignition switch, connections, etc. as best I could in
> the cold, wind, and waning light. Once, power returned, but
> disappeared on turning the key. I heard the 'snap' sound coming from
> the battery compartment.
>
> I removed the battery cables and wire-brushed them and the terminals,
> and re-connected everything. The VW started right up, and was fine the
> whole chilly trip.
>
> So, did cleaning the terminals and cables fix the problem, or did I
> just get lucky? I' d like to prevent this from recurring. Suggestions?
>
> Thanks.
>
> Kevin
> '84 Westfalia - 21 years of (mostly) reliable travel
>

--
Jake

1984 Vanagon GL
1986 Westy Weekender "Dixie"

Crescent Beach, BC

www.thebassspa.com
www.crescentbeachguitar.com
http://subyjake.googlepages.com/mydixiedarlin%27