Date: Sun, 12 Nov 2000 10:27:59 -0500
Reply-To: Gary Stearns <gstearns@SPRINTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Gary Stearns <gstearns@SPRINTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Clutch makes Vanagon die
Hi Steve-
It's not actually the clutch causing or fixing this. When you pop the
clutch with the van still moving your just jump starting it without using
the starter. The stalling is related to the ECU's fuel shutoff when you
take your foot off the gas; controlled (mostly) by that little idle switch
that has to be adjusted so carefully. When the ECU shuts off fuel in decel
mode, it is supposed to restore the fuel flow at idle rpm to keep the engine
from stalling completely. Either the switch is out of adjustment
(doubtful), the basic idle speed is too low, (could be since it got worse
as weather got colder), or the idle stabilizer valve or controller aren't
working properly (likely). On our '88, I have found that if I knock the
idle down too low (below 950 rpm), it also will stall as I depress the
clutch on a trailing throttle decel. It'l also do it if i have the basic
mixture too lean.
Your answer might require a little detective work, but you'll find it. Oh,
this problem is totally fuel and injection control, it's not ignition
related.
Gary
----- Original Message -----
From: Steve E <oystratus@HOTMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, November 12, 2000 9:38 AM
Subject: Clutch makes Vanagon die
> 84 vanagon dies periodically
> 160k
>
> At cold start, the rpms increase until I touch the gas,
> and after I touch the gas the rpms drop instantly. So
> far so good. However, after the rpms drop, the van
> usually runs for a few moments until it dies. While it
> does run, it intermittently runs smooth, or rough, or
> surging.
>
> I was trying to isolate the cause of the intermittent
> trouble this summer, and finally decided to wait until
> it got worse.
>
> Well, it's gotten worse.
>
> Now, the van dies even when I am on the road.
> Specifically, when I approach a stop this is what
> happens:
>
> 1) Take foot of gas
>
> 2) Van starts to slow down
>
> 3) Push in clutch (before applying brake) and van dies.
> Red lights appear on dash (like normal) since key is
> still in "on" position.
>
> 4) While still coasting at speed and in gear, let out
> clutch and VOILA! Van comes back to life.
>
> Focus on that last one, #4.... what will letting out
> the clutch do other than increase strength of spark?
>
> Within the last 12 months:
> New ignition coil/cables/cap/rotor/plugs
> Idle switch operation ok
> No vacuum leaks
> New few filter, I try to only burn good gas
> Injector cleaner regularly added to gas
>
> Fuel pump has been quietly buzzing for 30k
>
>
>
> THANKS FOR THE HELP!
>
> Steve
> E Lansing Mich
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