Date: Fri, 25 Feb 2005 13:48:30 -0500
Reply-To: Tim Demarest <tim.demarest@POBOX.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Tim Demarest <tim.demarest@POBOX.COM>
Subject: Re: Help, stranded. Van won't exceed 55mph
In-Reply-To: <3769145C.7A9FBD16.63222031@aol.com>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed
Dan,
The common links between all the electronic bits you've already replaced
are the ECU and the harness, and engine vacuum. Some things to check that I
didn't see on your list:
1. Weak connection to the ECU (unplug it, plug it back in... it
might just be loose or dirty).
2. Check grounding... try bypassing the ground strap from the head
to the body with a heavy jumper.
3. Check the boot between the AFM and the throttle body, these
tend to crack with age, which can create a huge vacuum leak. Somehow, they
always seem to crack underneath, where you can't see it unless you pull it
out and take a good look.
4. It's possible that your ECU has just gone bad... maybe a listee
in the area has a spare for a test? Unfortunately, I'm in New Jersey, and
only have a spare ECU for a 1.9, so I can't help you with that.
5. I don't know if the vacuum lines on the 2.1 are routed the same
as the 1.9, but on mine (1.9), there's a vacuum line 'tee' that connects to
the front of the throttle body (towards the front of the van, that is, the
side of the throttle body you *don't* see when looking at the engine from
the rear.). This used to pop off on my van and rob me of power (until I
replaced the little dry stub of vacuum line with a new piece)... Again,
it's not something you 'see' unless you go looking for it.
Good luck, here's hoping it's one of the simple 'clean it up or plug it
back in' things, and not a failed ECU.
Tim
At 12:43 PM 2/25/2005 -0500, -- Dan Roberts wrote:
>My 89 Westy 4 speed won't exceed 55mph. I'm stranded in Houma, La., far
>from Wisconsin home. Here's the short story. The van's first symptom was
>poor gas mileage. Next, it began slowing, eventually refusing to go faster
>than 40 mph at times.
>By the time we reached Houma, La, I knew I had to get help or risk being
>stranded on a remote section of highway.
>
>Here's what I, and later a mechanic, have done:replaced fuel filter,
>replaced oxygen sensor, replaced distributor cap and rotor and replaced
>Oxygen Flow Meter. It runs better at city speeds but still won't run at
>highway speeds. At about 3,500 RMS, it stalls out as if it is fuel starved.
>
>The mechanic has run tests of the fuel pump, oxygen sensor, catalytic
>converter (found no blockage) and ignition timing. He and I have searched
>for kinks or leaks in the fuel system and compression lines. I've probably
>missed something, although he has worked on it for several hours and has
>tried to keep me informed of what he's doing.
>
>I desperately need some help from you List members. My wife has to be in
>Dallas Sunday morning. If you can offer any suggestions, please....
>
>Dan R.
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