# 81 VW Van Need to Run **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** volkswagen, vanagon\ **Created:** [May 22, 2010, 11:00pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/81-vw-van-need-to-run/49225 "2010-05-22T23:00:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![jlwhaley](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/258eb7/32.png) [@jlwhaley](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jlwhaley)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2010, 11:00pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/81-vw-van-need-to-run/49225/1 "2010-05-22T23:00:08Z")
Need to get 81 VW Van running. New battery, coil, fuel filter & fuel pump. Pulled alternator out and had Auto Zone test - said “within specs.” When battery full charge (after on charger) the van starts and first run around the block is fine, even with throttle down for power. Then idle for a while and try again, doesn’t run fine. Pushing throttle down for power, or to rev up, makes engine bog down and stop. After this, if I turn off the engine it won’t start - must charge battery. Two clues. (1) Voltage at battery with engine running is never above 14 volts. (2) If I turn on headlights and emergency flasher when idling the engine slows down and wants to die (voltage at battery drops at least half a volt. I still suspect alternator or battery, though both test good. ---
**Author:** ![MG-McAnick](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mg-mcanick/32/188_2.png) [@MG-McAnick](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MG-McAnick)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2010, 2:16am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/81-vw-van-need-to-run/49225/2 "2010-05-23T02:16:52Z")
As long as the volt meter shows 12 volts or above, the battery and alternator are probably fine. I’d suspect something in the ignition system is breaking down with heat. ---
**Author:** ![waterboy](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/waterboy/32/764_2.png) [@waterboy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/waterboy)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2010, 3:05pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/81-vw-van-need-to-run/49225/3 "2010-05-23T15:05:46Z")
Sounds like a pretty serious short is a possibility. Inspect your positive cables for issues.