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Subject:'87 Vanagon turns and turns but won't start
From:Don Preston
Date:Sat, 12 May 2012 19:44:09 -0700

Hello everyone, been a long time...

So, I’m back, kinda. :-) Some of you may remember me and my ‘87 Vanagon ASI
“Betsy” from a few years back. I actually sold her as I was moving out of
country back in ‘04. Well, long story short, I’ve recently come in contact
with her again and trying to get her back on the road. It’s been a few years
since I last worked on any van, and the Bentley is missing, so I’m hoping
you good folks might have some advice.

Current owner tells me that the engine “just died” a few weeks back. When
trying to start it up the engine turns and turns but won’t fire. We were
unable to check compression because the gauge I have won’t read high enough.
We spent a couple hours today troubleshooting everything we could think of,
cleaning wire connections, checking plugs, etc.

> All fuses checked and good.
> AFM connections good.
> Removed and cleaned (replacing two corroded ones) all coil connections.
> Spark at distributor cap to center and all four cylinder ports
> #1 & #3 spark plugs dry, #2 & #4 wet
> Hall sensor plug removed, cleaned and good.

Any idea on what to try next?

Thank you!!

Don Preston
Ballard, WA

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