Date: Tue, 24 Oct 2000 19:47:47 -0400
Reply-To: John Koloski <koloski@TOAD.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: John Koloski <koloski@TOAD.NET>
Subject: Re: Emissions Problems/90 Vanagon Syncro
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
When I replaced the exhaust system on my '90 Vanagon GL, which I bought new
in Maryland (in '98 I think, at about 140k miles, but
I don't keep good records) I observed it to be full of an (intact) ceramic
honey comb. I reused my cat. If I had needed to replace it and VW wanted a
ridiculous amount for a new one I would not have hesitated to an install an
"el-cheapo universal replacement".
----------
From: Gary Stearns <gstearns@SPRINTMAIL.COM>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Emissions Problems/90 Vanagon Syncro
Date: Tuesday, October 24, 2000 8:07 AM
I posted a similar question about the empty cat a month or two ago. The
list provided several responses saying that they were delivered this way
new! Seems that VW equipped the Vanagons headed for California with cats,
and rather than design a new exhaust for non-california vehicles, they just
installed empty cats. This made sense to me cuz my cat showed no evidence
that it ever had any guts in it. It was an empty can. The Vanagon was
imported as a light truck not a passenger car. I think this is how VW
could get away with this. Your emissions problems can probably be solved
without the cat.
Gary
----- Original Message -----
From: Roger & Marilyn Ehret
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Sent: Monday, October 23, 2000 11:04 PM
Subject: Emissions Problems/90 Vanagon Syncro
HELP!
I am having a problem with emissions on my 90 Syncro Westy. It failed
the emission test here in WA, but only on the hydrocarbons at idle. It
passed the hydrocarbons at 2500 RPM. It also passed the CO and CO2 at idle
and at cruise. Subsequently, I found that the catalytic converter was
empty! What's the best way to solve this as I can't renew my license tabs
until it passes the emissions test.
Is it possible to lean it down on idle to pass for HC? Do I have to
install a new cat.-- they are expensive. Does the engine run better, ie,
better mpg and power, w/o the cat? Any experts on this subject out there?
If I need to install a cat. to pass the test, anyone in my area
(Seattle/Tacoma) have a cheap used one?
Also, need because of rock damage:
Right Main Headlamp (lens unit only)
Left High Beam Headlamp (lens unit only)
Thank you, Roger Ehret, Gig Harbor, WA (253) 851-6100 e-mail:
ehretrm@msn.com
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