Well, now what?

I have been out to trouble shoot my mysterious no start problem and I
can't get it to fault. Starts every time .... so far. How do you fix
what ain't broke - seemingly!

These are the times that try men's souls!!

John

On 9/1/2013 12:47 AM, Dennis Haynes wrote:
> Let's start with the "no start" first. While cranking does the alternator
> warning light remain lighted and does the tach needle move? If not check the
> ignition switch. It may fail to power the ignition circuit while in the
> cranking position. Next step is battery and ground connections. A bad engine
> ground (the big one) can make for hard starting while cranking.
>
> For the locking mechanism look for something mechanical like a broken spring
> in the latch or it somehow got pushed closed while the door was open.
>
> Dennis
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> JRodgers
> Sent: Saturday, August 31, 2013 8:06 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: A Mystery
>
> Scenario:
>
> Sam's parking lot with a nice slope.
>
> Vehicle - '88 GL with manual Tranny.
>
> Park. First gear. set Brake. Exit vehicle.
>
> Spend the money in Sams.
>
> Back to the parking lot.
>
> Unlock, enter driver side, close door - WHAM - door won't even shut.
> Bounces back open. Examine locking mechanism - something is loose. Work with
> the little loose thingamajig until it flips over and will engage the locking
> bar on the door post. (Mental note to self - look and see what's loose when
> home.)
>
> Key in the ignition - Tranny to neutral, turn switch - system hot, pause
> - turn switch to engage starter. Starter engages and turns engine like
> crazy. Engine refuses to start. Doesn't even sputter. Ignition off - try a
> gain. Same scene. No start - even a sputter.
>
> Next effort: Vehicle in 3rd gear - clutch in, ignition on but not to start,
> release brake, turn wheels towards down hill, start to roll. Pick up a
> little speed, release clutch, engine coughs, starts, runs fine all the way
> home.
>
> Test: Tried it again. Same scenario. Starter turns engine but it won't
> start. Roll it down hill, engage engine with ignition on - starts every
> time.
>
> It's a mystery.
>
> Anyone have any ideas as to what's going on?? Door AND engine?? Vanagon
> gremlins have taken up residency maybe? I'm mystified.
>
> Thanks,
>
> John
>
> .
>