>Date: Wed, 30 Apr 1997 02:14:35 -0400
>To:tbill@startext.net
>From:kelphoto@bright.net (mark keller)
>Subject:Re: VANAGON FOR SALE? HELP Diagnosis needed STAT!
>
>>Weel, I'm no DDDDoctor, bbbbbut try this favorite nostrum of mine.  For
>>some years now I have paid for a diagnosis only when I'm stumped.
>>Usually this is my strategy. Determine the best place to get a correct
>>answer.  Your expensive guy seems to be an ok candidate.  Check the
>>yellow pages under Auto Repair Electric.  Often you'll find several very
>>competent technicians, some  who use an electronic diagnostic and
>>troubleshooting service called "Alldata". Call first tell them you'd like
>>for them to "diagnos xyz problem" and ask how much they would charge.
>>Typically a 1/2 hour minimum is standard. I'v never paid more than $30,
>>and feel it is well worth the cash. If you can't locate the above by
>>yellow pages, I've called several gas stations,since these guys routinly
>>need this type of help and asked "whos the best at xyz?" This protocol
>>has also located quite a few genuine gurus in not so well published
>>places.  Lastly call the closest auto repair school,and speak to an
>>instructor.  I found one of these guys working PT in a gas station and he
>>was Mahvaleous! So I hope these are of some value? Note: the alldata
>>system tracks maintainance and diagnostic information from a variety
>>professional sources, however its a subscription based system, that can
>>only be accessed by a member. MK
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>Oh, no!  Are curcumstances forcing me to sell my beloved Camper?  I love
>>my '83, water tight camper.  It has 135k, on it's second engine (email
>>me for sad story about how the first met its end), has a top speed on
>>the level, no tail wind, no drafting of 83 mph.  But because of wierd
>>problem #2, I think I will have to sell it.  Please send comments and
>>suggestions!
>>
>>Weird problem #1.  When the wheater is warm, turn the key...and no
>>starter.  Checked the  usual: starter and switch fine.  Can start it by
>>crawling under wit a screw driver on the terminals.  Mechanic puts a
>>booster on the starter and it works for a while.  I take it back and
>>tell him to fix it or put a aux starter button on it.  He does the later
>>and the problem is rendered moot.
>>
>>Weird problem #2: Intermitantly hard to start.  I run 2 batteries.
>>Rarely starts on main battery even tho engine cranks just fine.  No
>>firing at all.  Spark OK, therefore...  Put the battery on both, fires
>>up.  Usually.  Sometimes takes me 15 minutes to start it.  If that
>>happens the reason is that it is flooded.  When engine is warm, best to
>>open throtle all the way to disable cold start injecter before cranking.
>>
>>All the mechanics I've talked to in the Ft. Worth, TX area say take it
>>to Tim's German Auto, he's the only one who really knows VWs.  (I had
>>been avoiding Tim because he is supper expensive) Tim says sounds like
>>an injector problem, and those problems are very expensive.  Suggests I
>>put a carburetor on it.  Anyone ever done this?
>>
>>Call a guy who sells the kits.  He says don't because I'll never be able
>>to get an inspection sticker in the Metroplex.  (We are under strick EPA
>>rules).  Seems if you start with fuel injection you have to stay with
>>it.  I'm stumped.
>>
>>Suggestions, offers?
>>
>>TBill
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>W