Date:         Wed, 14 Nov 2001 00:23:00 -0600
Reply-To:     Tom & Phyllis <erikoyne@EARTHLINK.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Tom & Phyllis <erikoyne@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject:      They Only Write When They're In Trouble...
Content-type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

Hello List,

I'm afraid that's me in the subject line. I plead guilty (while trying to
think of some typographic icon to show remorse).  @~(  doesn't quite capture
it.

Tonight my Westy stalled and won't stay started. Happily - this did not
occur moments before while careering down Southwest Trafficway amid many
cars and few exits; Happily I was able to get to within a block from home.
Happily - my four year old son showed stunning patience (and didn't fall
into the engine compartment) while I reviewed the situation;

Here's the scenario:

Me: new Westy owner (10 months). Knowledge of auto mechanics = .0001 -  but
I'm putting myself through night school at Vanagon List University.

Vehicle: 82 Westy, 169400 miles. Multiple owners/modifications before me.
The major engine modification was removal of the fuel injection gear and
replacement with a Weber (I believe) single carb & 009 mechanical advance
distributor. Last major overhaul was nine months ago - engine rebuilt from
case up; carb rehabbed; fuel lines replaced but fuel filter and fuel pump
untouched and might be original issue.

What Happened: Cruised at 50 mph, slowed to stop, accelerated to 15 mph,
accelerator failed to produce power. Engine stalled and I re-started,
accelerated to 5 mph and stalled; restarted and drove one block before
stalling for good.

Symptoms: No past problems of this variety. No unusual
leaks/smoke/smells/sounds associated with the breakdown. With ignition key
at half-cock the usual ticking (fuel pump?). Starter cranks as usual, engine
turns over and runs 1-2 seconds before dying.

What I checked/did : archives - hard to find the right keywords (stalling
produces nearly 500 entries); attempted starts 10 times with varying waits;
throttle cable - ok,  Low on gas but not to empty but added 1/4 gal. gas.
No apparent loose wiring/hoses. Visually checked fuel line from tank to
engine compartment wall - nothing unusual.

My guess: Stalling caused by fuel starvation at  -  filter? pump?  carb?

List Experts - sorry about the length of this  - but I am sincerely
appreciative of any diagnoses or remedies you may wish to share.

Many thanks in advance,

Tom in KCMO
82 Westy (stalled just 600 miles from another milestone)