For the replacement coil it has to be the correct one, no universal stuff.
You will get some sticker shock.
For the connector for the temp 2 sensor except for color it is the same as
for the injectors. It is also used on many other cars so a connector with
pigtail is readily available.
Corrosion on the coil wire is common maintenance here.
As for a shop recommending parts replacement in advance this is a tough one.
We are always on the defensive for being accused of just increasing sales
but with electrical stuff there really is no predictive way to schedule
replacements. Things like coils can fail just after installation to lasting
for hundreds of thousands of miles. Then when you install new you have to
deal with the "infant mortality" of a part that may not be quite right. Same
for sensors and switches.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Steve Williams
Sent: Sunday, November 30, 2014 1:22 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Won't Start in St. Helena, Napa County

Good advice.

On 11/30/2014 7:20 AM, Dennis Haynes wrote:
> For quick check you can check the coil with an ohm meter. You want to
> see about 4.5k ohm from the center (high tension) post to the low
> side. Any breakdown may show as a reduced resistance. 3.5k ohm is no
> good.

I read 2.9K ohms.  So I'll look for a coil at a local auto parts store.

The center ignition wire also had some white junk inside both ends, which
might be corrosion.  Maybe I can get a set of replacement ignition wires.
There will be an auto parts store open in Napa, I think.

> Pull the plugs and look for signs of excess fuel.

I didn't do that.  It's raining here, so I didn't want to get in too deep
working outside.

> The Temp 3 (that is, 2) sensor can also cause an engine to be fed so
> rich it will fail to start. Remove and reseat the connector.

Likewise, that connector is a bit hard to access.  I'd rather try to coil
before I go disassembling stuff further.

Honestly, with all the time this car has spent in the shop lately, I wonder
that the shops don't say, "Hey, can we to give you a list of items that
should be renewed periodically, and you can decide which are worth the
cost?"  I'd totally go for stuff like this.

I guess I should be doing that myself, but I just don't have time.  Very
frustrating!