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Date:         Mon, 14 Jul 2003 07:55:43 -0700
Reply-To:     Shawn Wright <swright@ZUIKO.SLS.BC.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Shawn Wright <swright@ZUIKO.SLS.BC.CA>
Subject:      Re: 89' Wolfsy - Vanagon Syndrome
In-Reply-To:  <5CB8DB1C.4327DCD6.0000D61A@aol.com>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII

On 14 Jul 2003 at 9:59, Ed Hinchey <EJHin@AOL.COM> wrote:

> I start tonight with cleaning grounds and contacts etc.. > > The ECU cooling blades were so hot, they could have burned my skin. I agree > that something must be amiss if its running that hot, but i also understand that > heat has been a problem with these ECUs. I think, if I go with the cooling fan, > I will install the external fan first and cirulate air over the cooling blades.

This is one thing I haven't checked, but in my case, I am beginning to suspect that I do not have have the typical VS. In my case, the symptoms are these:

-when cold, the van will usually stall within 1 minute if left idling. -will buck like a bronco during the first 5 minutes of driving from cold, not continually, but usually one episode every minute or two. Yesterday, this continued for the first 15 minutes of driving, but the day before, I drove nearly 30 minutes with only one or episodes. (Yesterday was the first time in 7 years that I considered turning around and getting the Jetta, but we were on our way to Volksfest, and the Westy (usually) is way more fun...) -will occasionally (like once every 3-4 hours, sometimes longer) buck a few times at highway speeds. -yesterday marked the first time the engine actually died during an episode, this after an hour of driving, just approaching my house, leaving a corner in 2nd gear, it just died, even with clutch out, lots of gas. I left key turned on, coasted with clutch in for a second, let clutch out and it started right up. Then did the same thing on the next corner. -at one point yesterday, I unplugged the o2 sensor, but found power and throttle response seemed to be reduced, and it still bucked, so I plugged it back in.

Here's what I've done so far: -installed cap in AFM, along with ground from AFM to left side head -replaced left side head to left engine wall ground -rebent AFM wiper arms (twice) -installed cap on alternator, and 4ga ground from alternator to front engine comp wall -replaced fuel filter, air filter -replaced blue temp sensor on t-stat housing (no difference, old one had same readings when cold).

Things I have not yet done: -replaced plugs/rotor/cap, they were done 5 years ago, but only 50k kms, and they look a bit worn, but *ok*. Since it does run well when not bucking, I'm guessing they are not the cause, right?

Other than the above, the van runs well, has good power, and gets a consistent 24 mpg Imp.

Perhaps I should be considering some non-VS related issues, since mine seems different than most? I really don't want to start replacing expensive parts, as this motor is destined for replacement with a TD someday.

Comments welcome.... -- Shawn Wright http://Zuiko.sls.bc.ca/swright ~This message sent by Pegasus Mail, the safe E-Mail alternative~ "Friends don't let friends use Outlook"


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