Date: Mon, 23 Nov 1998 13:53:23 -0500
Reply-To: Rick Koller <rkoller@HELIX.NIH.GOV>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From: Rick Koller <rkoller@HELIX.NIH.GOV>
Subject: Re: 87 Syncro "cutting out" electrical
In-Reply-To: <199811231726.MAA29640@velocity1.velocity.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
At 12:28 PM 11/23/98 -0500, Michael J Vickey wrote:
>One of my 87 Syncro's has been occasionally "cutting out" - usually while
>driving 30 to 60 mph. Just cuts out. Sometimes restarts right away,
>sometimes does not. Last week I changed the following: new airflow meter,
>new wire harness addition to airflow meter, new computer, new coil. I got
>it started and it ran fine after I had changed the coil, but this morning
>it died on me again while driving. Waiting for tow truck to bring it home,
>as it would not restart.
>
>When it cuts out, the starter works and I can hear the fuel pump as well. I
>am hoping that when the tow truck brings it that it still won't start.
>Maybe I can trace the problem. I am sure it is electrical in nature. All of
>the grounds on the top left of the engine and to the left of the engine on
>the sidewall, as well as the under-dash grounds have been cleaned. Maybe I
>missed one somewhere, or perhaps there is a broken wire somplace. I am at a
>loss.
>
>Any ideas?
>
>Michael Vickey
>the current VW collection:
>84 Vanagon Wlfsbrg blue (parts)
>85 DblCab Pickup lt gray
>87 Vanagon Syncro GL Wolfram gray
>87 Vanagon Syncro GL dove blue
>88 DblCab Pickup Tornado red
>90 DblCab Pickup navy blue
>90 DblCab Pickup Syncro black
>91 Vanagon Camper GL orly blue
>91 Vanagon Syncro silver (needs transmission)
>93 Eurovan MV Tornado red
>95 Eurovan Camper white
>
>
Michael,
How about the infamous ignition switch electrical component? Also, check
the 3 lg guage wires coming off the altenator stud, I had a break there I
discovered last week. That stud on the back of the alternator was badly
worn by the wire connectors as well. Another thing that happened to me
once, was that I bought a new fuel pump, installed it and the van would not
start. I took the pump back to the parts place where they bench tested it
with a battery. It hummed normally but when installed it did not pump fuel.
I tried it in 2 vans with the same result. I again took it back and had to
scream and yell to get an exchange pump which did work. The parts guys
never did believe me and I havn't been back to that store since. Good luck.
Rick Koller
'90 syncro-westie
'91 auto box
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