Sounds like the coil is a good and easy place to start - check for spark
from the coil by pulling the main coil wire from the middle of the
distributor and having someone hold the wire with pliers about an inch from
some metal - not near anything gas related.  (Pliers aren't necessary but
they might prevent a shock if the wire is old). Start the motor and have
somone check for a strong bright pulsing spark - it will be kind of like an
electronic bbq lighter which you can click and see the spark before it
catches.  No or weak spark from the coil means a new coil.  As for why you
have goop coming from it is a good question...perhaps just old?

Good luck -

Bruce

On Mon, Aug 12, 2013 at 8:47 AM, Jason Ellsmere <jasonellsmere@me.com>wrote:

> Hi All
>
> Well I made it all the way from Toronto to almost Calgary with no problems
> at all.
>
> Camped at Kinbrook last night (Very nice) and now it won't start.
>
> Battery is 12.7 and it seems to be turning over fine.
>
> Coil has black goop oozing out of it, would that be it?
>
> Probably going to call my friends at CAA and take it to Tony's auto
> service, they seem to rate well on Roadhaus.  Unless someone has another
> recco.
>
> Any tips in the meantime are appreciated
>
> Keep in mind I'm very green to the Vanagon and have very basic skills. I
> do have tools including a meter if there are any easy suggestions.
>
> There are surely worse places to be broken down.  Oh, I also need to be at
> the airport by 2 to pick up my wife.  :)
>
> Thanks
> Jason