Gregory,
Dunno what it is, but I would definitely check the insulation on the main/large wire running from the + terminal of the battery to the starter and the wire from the starter to the alternator. I don't think these wires are fused and if they grounded to the frame I think there could be a fire.
Bill
    -----Original Message-----
    From: gregory <grrami@EARTHLINK.NET>
    To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
    Date: Monday, February 08, 1999 4:44 PM
    Subject: 89 vanagon burning plastic odor
    
    
    hi everyone,
    lately when i drive my '89 vanagon i notice an odor kind of like burning plastic coming from the rear of the van, not the engine compartment, almost from behind the tire. nothing was found stuck in there as if i ran over a plastic bag. i wonder if it could be the clutch, or the slave leaking fluid. any ideas?
    gregory

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