The little metal pinch clamp on the IA tube (All at ground potential) were a pubimeter away from the top of the spark plug wire where it connects to the plug. It was actually touching the rubber part but still close enough so that if it gets really hot and HUMID, like it's been here for the last 6 weeks (90º+ temp and 90+ humidity) it is possible that it could jump the spark and short the plug/coil wire to ground intermittently. Enough to kill the motor.
I cannot prove this is the culprit as Bob's failure was very intermittent as stated. But, as he has stated, it seems to be fixed. We did a very thorough examination of the tank vent and there was no sign that the hose was ever misplaced or pinched anywhere.
Maybe the dealer did correct it, but I would guess that the new design and placement of the clamps on his AI was definetly in need of modification.
I'm sure you have seen enough weird intermittent electronics as well to know this is very likely to be the case. Again, we have had some unbearable heat and humidity which also would contribute to electrical faults as well.
