Date:         Thu, 24 Feb 2000 15:30:14 -0800
Reply-To:     Steve <sxs@CONCENTRIC.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Steve <sxs@CONCENTRIC.NET>
Subject:      [Fwd: FIX 87 Volkswagen Vanagon, dies]
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

1987 Volkswagen Vanagon 2.1 L

Trans:         Standard
Mileage:       150,000 mi
VIN:           WV2YB0257HH073807
Fuel:          EFI
Ignition:      Hall Unit
Emissions:     Ca Emissions

Symptoms:      dies
Occurs:        After 30 miles

___________________________ FIX: ___________________________

My nightmare is over. Thanks to all the help.

The problem was a bad O2 sensor. It went to full lean after
sustained freeway driving. We hooked up gauges to all the
sensors and drove the vehicle until the problem returned
and then the cause was obvious. We disconnected the sensor
and drove back to the shop just fine. I replaced the sensor
and sent the customer on there way. They called me this
morning from 200 miles away and said the van ran great.

Many people mentioned the updated harness for the air flow
meter. From what I gathered, this is to fix a
responsiveness of the throttle problem. The VW dealerships
in So California had never heard of it and didn't have one
in stock. I noticed many techs from Canada and New England
recommended it. I wonder if it has anything to do with the
climate? Just a thought.

I now have a rebuilt computer with 30 miles on it for sale,
cheap. My supplier won't take it back a;nd I don't want to
stock a $400 computer .

____________________ ORIGINAL MESSAGE: _____________________

This vehicle was towed in on Friday. These people are from
out of town and are stranded here.

The vehicle lost power and then died. It was towed into my
shop. It fired up and ran great. The vacuum line to the
fuel pressure regulator was broken. I replaced the line and
checked the plugs. The were black velvetty and old so I
replaced them. I checked the air flow meter and the fuel
pump. The pump has 36 lbs without the regulator and my
gauge vibrates between 31 and 34 lbs with the regulator
hooked up. It smooths out at high rpms. The vacuum gauge
bounces between 8 and 12 at idle but smooths out at high
rpms.

After 30 miles the vehicles starts to lose power and tries
to die. I feathered the throttle and it starts running good
for about 2 miles and then does it again. Feathering the
throttle makes it run good every time. I can let the
vehicle run in my shop for over an hour and it still runs
good. It is only after about 30 miles of freeway driving
the problem returns. The new plugs are black and velvetty
again.

I took off the cat and it appears to be fine. When the
vehicle dies, I checked the fuel pressure and it was still
32lbs. I changed the fuel pump, it is still dieing. These
people are frustrated and want there car done now.




___________________ TEST AND REPAIR DATA ___________________

MANIFOLD VACUUM READINGS

Idle:   11 in.

Checked for codes and none were found.

TESTING AND RESULTS

Fuel Pressure - 31-36 lbs

_