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Date:         Mon, 11 Mar 2002 18:47:22 -0700
Reply-To:     Karl Wolz <wolzphoto@WORLDNET.ATT.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Karl Wolz <wolzphoto@WORLDNET.ATT.NET>
Subject:      Re: Loss of power at altitude
Comments: To: FrankGRUN@AOL.COM

While all engines (other than those with rammed air) will suffer from a loss of power at elevation, I believe the original poster was asking about an "abnormal" loss of power.

While it's nice to discuss theory, it most likely didn't do him any good with his problem.

I'd suggest that he look at his oxygen sensor for a possible fix. If it is disconnected or fouled (running open loop), his van will take a dump big time above a mile high or so.

Karl Wolz

----- Original Message ----- From: "Frank Grunthaner" <FrankGRUN@AOL.COM> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM> Sent: Monday, March 11, 2002 3:51 PM Subject: Re: Loss of power at altitude

> The poser loss issue is directly the reduction in atmospheric pressure. The > EFI computer keeps the proper air/fuel ratio and the developed power drops > proportionately. > > Only one device eliminates this problem - a turbocharger. With the turbo you > can control the manifold pressure and there is adequate compression capacity > to overcome the atmospheric pressure reduction. > > The reason that you so strongly notice the reduction in power as compared to > other vehicles is explained in my posts on gearing and engine power issues. > The key problem is the amount of additional thrust available from the > engine/powertrain combination above and beyond the thrust needed to move the > vanagon under the conditions required. Hint: Professional hill-climber racers > run very high numerical ratio final drives compared to flattrackers. Your > vanagon probably has 5% reserve thrust capacity after paying the altitude > penalty. > > Frank Grunthaner


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