Date: Mon, 4 Mar 2002 14:38:48 -0700
Reply-To: Blake Thornton <thornton@MATH.UTAH.EDU>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Blake Thornton <thornton@MATH.UTAH.EDU>
Subject: Re: floating on highway, cold bad idle?
In-Reply-To: <200203042058.g24Kwu619577@mail15.bigmailbox.com>
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII
> Hi, recently I took my 85' Vanagon on the highway,(just got it about 2
> weeks ago) and noticed that the wind was pushing me all over. I know,
> and figured that this was expected owning one, but I didn't think that
> it would be to this extent. It wasn't a windy day, but at times (pretty
> much constant) I had to hold the wheel for dear life. I didn't really
> think that this was normal. Any suggestions? I did notice however that
> with alot of weight in it, it didn't really do it too bad at all. (we
> had gone to get a rear/bed seat, and some other stuff, and the ride home
> was heavy)
I remember when I first got my van. I bought it in San Fran CA. After
buying it, I drove accross the bay bridge and thought I was going to blow
into the ocean. I was seriously freaked out.
Now, I'm used to the blowing and it doesn't bother me so much. I still
don't like it, but it doesn't surprise me so much. It actually amazes me
how little wind it takes to push me van significantly.
> Also I noticed that when I first start it at any time during the
> day, that it doesn't idle very nice. In fact heres what it does....I
> start it, the tach/idle goes down and either stalls (so I have to hold
> the accelerator down) or catches itself right before it stalls. If it
> catches it makes this horrible belt squealing sound, then I step on the
> gas, and it will wind and stop making the noise at about 2 tach. The
> funny thing is that even when driving, it will do this when I'm in
> neutral until the engine is good and warm. I figured it was no biggie,
> but it sure is annoying, and might turn into a biggie, and I would
> prefer to fix it before it does. Again any suggestions?
I would:
- change the temperature sensor and O2 sensor. Maybe they are ok, but if
you just bought it, these are good things to put in. changing them is
relatively cheap ($50-60) and would be good.
- tighten the belt.
- increase the idle setting by turning the idle screw on the throttle.
- check my timing.
- get used to a rough idle -- my van idles quite a bit rougher then I
would like, but I think I've got it to an acceptable level of roughness.
- if none of the above work, change or bypass the idle stabilizer.
good luck,
blake
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