Chris,

I don't think the collision affected your starting problem.  I recently had
a starting problem with my '84 GL (manual transmission).
- Engine cranks very well, but doesn't start for a long time.
- When it finally starts, the engine run roughly till flooded fuel is cleared.
- The idle was still a bit erratic.  The idle used to be rock-steady.  I
thought the idle stabilizer module might be the problem.  Checked it out
per Bentley instructions ... no help.
- New spark plugs ... no improvement.
- Checked spark plug wires ... all OK.
- Performed all Bentley recommended tests at the ECU connector ... OK.
- Last thing checked:  distributor cap.  The four metal posts were pitted,
but the rotor looked good.  I cleaned the four posts as well as I could by
scraping with a screwdriver... The van started  - just a second or two of
cranking.  Idle is rock-steady again.

Went to the local parts store this morning and bought a new cap ($6), and I
anticipate my starting problems will be solved for awhile.  Hope this helps.

John Hung
Auburn, AL
84 GL

>Date:    Wed, 10 Mar 1999 10:33:10 -0600
>From:    "Christopher H. Stinson" <stinson@MAIL.OLIN.WUSTL.EDU>
>Subject: '86 automatic Vanagon won't start
>
>Problem: When I turn the ignition key in my '86 automatic Vanagon, the engine
>turns over but doesn't start.
>
>Remedies attempted to date: I have replaced the fuel filter (from a
>"California behind-the-fuel-pump" metal filter to a "before-the-fuel-pump"
>plastic-cube fuel filter), the fuel pump, the coil, and the fuel pump relay.
>I replaced the fuel pump because the old pump wasn't engaging when I
>linked the appropriate circiuts in the ECU and the fuel pump relay because
>it was cheap and I wasn't sure how to test it.  I replaced the coil
>because I was getting ambiguous readings with my voltmeter from the ECU.
>I replaced the fuel filter in case it was clogged.
>
>Possibly relevant fact: Summer 1998 when I was driving from Austin to
>St. Louis, I had a close-encounter-of-the-5-mph-kind with a semitruck.
>The truck's rear steel bumper (which extended 2 feet from the truck body)
>pushed in the front of my Vanagon.  I have tried to pull out the dents
>and, as best as I can tell (which may not mean much), I don't see any
>damage to front-end parts.  The main dent was above the radiator and
>cracked the top of the driver's side headlights (which have been replaced).
>
>I welcome *any* suggestions for what to do next.  Thanks!
>
>Chris