Date:         Fri, 10 Mar 2000 16:07:54 -0500
Reply-To:     gbasey <gbasey@LINK2000.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         gbasey <gbasey@LINK2000.NET>
Subject:      Re: Low Top Speed - Help! (revisited)
In-Reply-To:  <LPBBKMCBIABBOABKJNAAEEJNCBAA.gbasey@link2000.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

First, thanks to those of you who offered suggestions for this problem.

A couple of you suggested the the full throttle switch.  I tested it a few
minutes ago and it responded as normal.  I was hoping that was it.  Also
some suggested AFM, I tested all the resistences and adjusted the board a
while back to no avail.  Finally, the PO gutted the cat (good or bad) so I'm
sure it isn't plugged.

While doing the tests I got an idea and plugged the exhaust to see what
would happen.  This might be a dumb idea but I wanted to see if the exhaust
had any leaks.  On other cars plugging the exhaust would cause it to die.
Not on my van.  The exhaust just vented out the apparent leaks.  Mostly the
left side heater box.  the van didn't die, it just choked a little.

Could these exhaust leaks be causing my problems?
or
have I been snuffing exhaust fumes to long?

Gary

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM]On Behalf
Of gbasey
Sent: Friday, March 10, 2000 11:05 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Low Top Speed - Help!


I've been having this recurring and now constant problem with my '80 vanagon
(California emissions).

At idle everything is fine. Even when I drive at low speeds there's no
problem.  In fact since I've been working on this problem, I've got the van
running better then ever except at higher RPMs. When I depress the throttle
fully the van begins to sputter and lunge.  I can't get over 45 mph.

Here's what I've done already:

1 changed the entire ignition system (coil, wires, plugs, cap, rotor, and
distributor - was worn) properly set idle and timing.

2 changed the o2 sensor and the temp sensor (both needed replacement)

3 cleaned the AFM contact points and checked all ground wires, and ECU
wiring as per Bentley

4 checked compression (105-120 all around)

5 changed the fuel filter, and replaced all vacuum lines

What could be causing this problem?  I'm sure its probably in the fuel
injection but am at a loss what to check.

I'm located in western Indiana, does anyone know of a good mechanic in
western/central Indiana?


Thanks for you help

Gary
'80 westy (down but not out)