I'm trying to help a first-time vanagon owner get his van running.
It's an '86, with 2.1L and manual trans.  I was told that the van was being
driven almost daily, had some sort of alternator problem, and then failed
to start one day.  A mechanic diagnosed that the spark plugs weren't
firing, but a lack of money prevented any further work.  I noticed that the
ignition switch was functioning poorly, and temporarily swapped in a good
used one.  Next, I noticed that the fuel pump wasn't energizing when the
ignition key was turned to the accessory position.  I ran power directly to
the fuel pump to get it running, but the engine still won't start (I'm
assuming because of no spark from the plugs).  I'm assuming that there
is an electrical issue that is affecting both the fuel pump and the
ignition system.
I've cleaned up the two
multi-pronged ground connections above the fuse block, and replaced the
ECU, but am running out of easy ideas.  I plan to go back with a
multi-meter, and check for voltage at the fuse block and at the terminal in
the engine compartment black box.  Hopefully I will have access to a
Bentley also, but my schematic-reading and Vanagon diagnosing skills are
pretty rusty.  Any idieas and suggestions as to additional components,
grounds, or
voltages that I should check would be appreciated.  Thanks in advance!