I had a similar issue with that wire at the coil end.  Mine are the old pin
type, and the spring clip was missing allowing it to loosen and let in
moisture as well that caused corrosion.  All other wires were in good shape,
so Peter at Van Caf� dug up a good used one for me for $5.

That was the first thing I checked after my no-start, I guess I should have
mentioned that!  Simplest stuff first . . .

Stuart

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
JRodgers
Sent: Saturday, June 07, 2014 8:43 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: 88 GL _ no start - Is it fixed - or is it?

My 88 GL continues to vex me.  However - MAYBE I have gotten to the
nitty gritty of it.

Came out of Wally World - key in - grind, grind,grind - no start.

Jumped out and opened the hatch - intent on testing. Pulled the
distributor wire - HMMMM - that didn't seem to have a good grip. Put it
back on - pulled it off. Nope - not tight. Put back on - engine started
right up. Let it idle while I ran back to close up. Before I could get
into the set - the engine dies.

Key in, ignition on - Grind, grind,grind. Will not start. Check the
distributor wire again, this time pushing it on the pin at right angles
to where was before. Vrooooom - started right up.

Drove home.

It would seem that a new coil/distributor  wire would be in order. That
will I hope fix this problem once and for all.

John