Why an OLD plug?  I usually just pull the plug in question, put it in the boot, and lay it on the engine.  On the waterboxer, I have a starter switch in front of the license plate, so I can crank from there (with the ignition switch on and the transmission in neutral, with the parking brake set).  mcneely

---- Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> Probably no spark since you have fuel.  Test for spark while cranking.  You
> can use an old plug resting on the engine somewhere for ground, or be
> sophisticated and get one of these:
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teydRVfEcX8  I've found tools like this to be
> very useful, and after being zapped a few too many times by 40,000 to
> 100,000 volts I've learned its value.
>
> Heat soaked coils can cause this (BTDT, I once could not restart after a
> bridge opening and the cop that pushed me off blamed me for the backup when
> it was really the bridge!!) as can high resistance corroded connections or a
> heat sensitive ECU (not likely though, they either work or they don't).
>
> Look at it as a challenge, and you can outsmart these gremlins.  Just follow
> logical trouble shooting procedures:  do the simplest and cheapest things
> first!
>
> Stuart
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> JRodgers
> Sent: Tuesday, June 03, 2014 3:07 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: 88 GL - manual tranny - fail to start
>
> Yargh! Here we go again - me and my vans.
>
> Ok. The situation. Very hot day. Parked in the Wally world parking lot and
> went inside. Came back out, key in the ignition, ignition on - check idiot
> lights,  listen for fuel pump to pressurize the fuel system, key to start
> position.........
>
> Grind, Grind, Grind......Nothing!
>
> Key off. Wait a few -- then re-cycle.......Grind, Grind, Grind.
>
> Tried a third time - same-o, same-o! Grind, Grind, Grind.
>
> Key, off - then back to "On". Race to the rear, pop the hatch, open engine
> bay, crack the bolt on the fuel "T" on to p of the engine. Lot's of fuel.
> Tightened the bolt. Turned off ignition, Closed it all up, looked for loose
> wires. Nada!
>
> Being by myself, I could not very well turn the engine to check for spark at
> plugs nor coil.
>
> Let it sit for an hour while I went and had a Subway Sandwich for lunch.
> Then back at it.
>
> Key in, turn on, lights and pump, key to ignition ---------
>
> Fired right up. Drove home.
>
> Question: how the devil do you hunt for something as intermittent as that.
>
> Thanks,
>
> John

--
David McNeely