Date:         Sun, 1 Jul 2001 11:08:25 -0500
Reply-To:     Larry Alofs <lalofs@ENTERACT.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Larry Alofs <lalofs@ENTERACT.COM>
Subject:      Re: 83' Vanagon - Coolant Temp Sensor and O2 Sensor - Could
              TheseEffect Idle?
Comments: To: The Hammad Family <blotto@DANDY.NET>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

The Hammad Family wrote:

> Hi, If anyone out there would be so kind as to send me some info on
> idle adjustment problems.  I just replaced all major engine gaskets,
> had the heads checked out, replaced the water pump, piston rings,
> thermostat, fan switch, and etc.  Yet I am having idling problems.  It
> idles at around 400 - 500 rpms, and is unresponsive to adjustments of
> the idle screw.  I checked out the fuel injectors (pulled the plug off
> each one and listened for a drop in idle)  on the number 2 cylinder
> there was no effect on idle when the plug was pulled.  I switched the
> injector with a good one and the effect was the same.  The idle seems
> to be "seeking".  Could a faulty coolant temperature sensor or leaky
> exhaust system be causing the idle to act up?  Does the O2 sensor play
> a major role in the idle function?  I also noticed the oil pressure
> switch is leaking pretty badly.  Also, I did replace the plugs and cap
> and rotor.  It almost seems to be running on three cylinders, and the
> problem only gets worse as the van heats up.  Thanks for taking a look
> into this!   Sincerely,  A Hammad

It seems to me that you need to solve the problem of the #2 cylinder
first.
  Have you done a compression test?
  Is the proper electrical signal coming to the injector from the ECU?
  Someone should correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe that the two
injectors on the same side of the engine squirt at the same time.  If
this is true, you could swap the connectors and then repeat your test by
pulling each one off while it is running.

good luck
Larry A.