Date: Wed, 9 Feb 2000 13:03:47 -0500
Reply-To: Steven Shane <s.shane@POBOX.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Steven Shane <s.shane@POBOX.COM>
Subject: 87 Van Bucking (Solution...?)
Content-type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
Greetings Volks! Steve from Columbus here. My beloved 87 Westy is in the
shop getting new head seals, muffler, etc.... And I was talking to the
Mechanic ("Eric" a very knowledgeable Vanagon guy) and he said that the
solution to the infamous Vanagon "BUCKING" problem is not a big deal at all.
For details on the infamous Vanagon "BUCKING" problem, see Ken's email from
Jan 7th below.
Anyway, the problem is not that uncommon and it can be resolved by a small
device issued from VW specifically for this problem. Eric, my mechanic was
telling me there is even a TECHNOTE issued from VW about this problem and
device, so maybe someone with pull can find this Doc and post the juicy bits
to the list.
Anyway, this electronic device (estimated around $80 - $100) inserts between
the air regulator and the female switch that used to plug into the air
regulator. It's right on top of the air box and anyone can install it.
(Yea, I know... sounds too good to be true!!) :^)
Apearently, what it does, if the signal become irratic (which causes the
bucking) this device snooths out the signal thus keeping the air flow
regulated. (Man I'm a hack)
I apologize for my lack of specifics on it, but I am no mechanic. I write
code for a living. But I do believe this device to be true, and instructed
Eric to put one on my beloved Westy. There is nothing more frustrating than
the infamous Vanagon "BUCKING" problem. (Those of you who have it
UNDERSTAND!!!)
Anyway, I extend an invitation to anyone more knowledgeable than I on this
issue to please please please take a few moments and write to the group
about it's validity. Your contribution will make so many of us happy.
Thanks in advance my friends!
Steve from Columbus.
mailto:s.shane@pobox.com
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Ken's Original Post
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Date: Fri, 7 Jan 2000 11:12:11 EST
From: KENWILFY@AOL.COM
Subject: Van Bucking (Ideas?)
As you might have read in my earlier post I am having a problem with my van
bucking at highway speeds. The symptoms are:
When cruising at around 70 mph van runs smooth.
If you let off of the throttle to maintain speed it starts to buck.
If you let off of the throttle completely the bucking stops.
If you press the throttle again you can go through an area where it bucks
and
then you will be accelerating smoothly again.
This all started after replacing my stock muffler with an aftermarket, but
high quality, "Danske" muffler. Now the exhaust note sounds funny like a
hiss.
After this the van wouldn't idle. I found that the idle switch wasn't
closing when the van went back to idle (had to give the throttle linkage a
nudge to get it to move back far enough to click the switch). I lubed and
cleaned the throttle body but it didn't help. So I adjusted the switch
position so that when the throttle closed it clicked the switch. Now I have
idle (a little higher than before) but after this the bucking started.
I have also replaced:
Oxygen Sensor
Coolant Temp sensor (blue)
Distributor Cap
Rotor
Spark Plug Wires
Spark Plugs (Plus 4 Platinum)
I just checked the Temp sender in the AFM and the values weren't right. I
am
going to replace this next to see if it helps. Any ideas or similar
experiences?
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