Date:         Wed, 16 May 2001 05:03:48 -0000
Reply-To:     Mike Finkbiner <mike_l_f@hotmail.com>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mike Finkbiner <mike_l_f@hotmail.com>
Subject:      New Engine, Poor Power, Low Gas Mileage - Update
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed

I haven't put many more miles on my new Boston Bob engine, although now I
can track it with the odometer working again, but I finally got into the
shop to have the emissions tested.

To re-cap, I have about 1200 miles on a new 2.1l engine with a longer
duration cam and ported and polished heads.  The gas mileage has been about
15-16, power off the line is poor, and it surges rythmically at times.

My digitool readings look normal.  The one problem we have found is the fuel
pressure regulator is running about 4 psi high.

I had a local shop run the vehicle emissions tests, assuming that if the
fuel pressure regulator were the problem we would see it there.  Here's the
results -

RPM  Idle     1800      2800

HC     1398     299      140
CO     1.51     0.94     0.66
CO2    8.86     12.7     13.8

According to the mechanic, that looks pretty good.  He doesn't see any need
for adjustments to the AFM idle mixture screw.  The one thing he thought was
high was the Idle HC, and a longer duration cam could explain it.

Not sure what to do next.  We will probably check the valve adjustments, and
have discussed replacing the Temp II just because it's cheap, but with the
digitool readings looking good, I'm not sure.  I sort of hate to just throw
parts at it.  Do you suppose the pressure regulator could be a problem, but
it isn't showing up in high CO?

Mike Finkbiner
'87 Westy
Moscow, Idaho
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