Date:         Mon, 24 Apr 2000 18:09:49 -0700
Reply-To:     s_j_wacker@JUNO.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         s_j_wacker@JUNO.COM
Subject:      86 Syncro dies again
Content-Type: text/plain

Howdy folks. Once again my 86 Syncro died at the same intersection, same
time it did a few months ago. I left the house at 4:30 this morning and
got to an intersection about a half mile away. When I downshifted into
third to make the turn, the engine died. I coasted thru and up onto the
curb to wait for the tow truck. Last time it died as I waited for the
light to change and I was able to get it to start and run really rough
for a few seconds, then die again. Had to walk it thru the intersection
with the starter motor. This time I had the light with me and coasted
thru (this intersection is busy even at 4:30 A.M. and I didn't want to be
stuck in the middle) I tried to start it, but it wouldn't even fire once.
I called AAA and had them send out a flatbed. As I waited, I tried
several times to start it, but nothing. Thirty minutes later the tow
truck drops me and the Syncro off in my parking lot at home and as he
pulls ahead to park the truck so he can help me push the van into a
parking spot, I jump in my van, just for fun, and "bingo", it starts
right up and I drive it into the spot.

Now last time this happened, I had it towed to my mechanic and when I
returned that afternoon, without the mechanic touching it, it started
right up, but after idling for a few minutes it started to run very rough
and I had to feather the gas to keep it running. So we figured it was the
Temperature II sensor and changed that (at least he said he did, I didn't
check it) and it's been running pretty good since.

So, this is how I sees it, understand I don't understand how all this
works, the van runs fine until it warms up enough to pass from the cold
phase to the warm phase and when this pass off occurs the "brain" doesn't
pick up in time and the engine dies. If I had just been able to keep
running without letting off the gas and shifting gears I would probably
never notice the problem.

Anybody have any ideas on how to proceed? I haven't started it this
evening yet, but soon I will take it out for a ride.


Steve & Jo Ann Wacker
San Marcos, Ca.
90 Carat
86 Syncro x2
86 Audi 5k Quattro