Date: Sun, 12 Sep 2004 20:24:27 -0700
Reply-To: Benjamin Wheeler <bwheeler@NV.SYMPATICO.CA>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Benjamin Wheeler <bwheeler@NV.SYMPATICO.CA>
Subject: '85 fuel probs
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Hi VW Gurus out there.
I’ve got an ’85 westy and have been having some problems with it since
purchased in 2003. Here are the symptoms:
- hestitations, ¾ power every once and a while – often when it is wet
outside – lasts a couple of days, comes on slowly and then gets more power
back over the course of a couple of days
- fuel pump making buzzing sound, almost always
- bucking at low rpms (around 2200) – van bucks when accelerating to
speed, not at speed (i.e. when under load)
Here’s what I’ve done so far to fix it…
- new tank, new fuel pump, new fuel lines, new filters
- new fuel pressure regulator
- new sparkplugs, wires (x2now), new distributors, rotors, etc.
- checked most wire connections including ignition coil
- added injector cleaner
- (by the way, this van has been overhauled – new heads,
transmission, clutch, you name it…)
The new fuel pump started making noises almost immediately after having been
replaced (March, 04) – the mechanics didn’t seem to think this is a problem.
The old gas tank was a mess of rust so we thought that that was the problem.
The hesitation thing is super frustrating as at least 3 different mechanics
across Canada couldn’t lick it – and still can’t. The bucking phenomena is
new though I fear it is related to the ever increasing sound of the
squealing fuel pump.
I don’t have any fancy probes or instruments, pressure checkers etc. to do
some sleuthing but would buy some if given some directions on what to buy
and how to use them.
I’m pretty sure the hesitation isn’t the ‘intermittent syndrome’ I’ve heard
about, as it will slowly come on, over the course of a few days, get really
annoying and then leave in the same manner. I just drive through it now.
I have a sneaking suspicion that the hesitation and bucking, noisy fuel
pump, are all related to one little gadget that needs replacing – but have
no clue at this point!
All help appreciated!
Ben
Benjamin A. Wheeler, M.Sc.
Northern Environmental Marine Organization
Box 1538
Iqaluit, Nunavut
X0A 0H0
ph. (867) 979-3881
cell. (902) 223-6115
bwheeler@nv.sympatico.ca
