Date:         Mon, 3 Oct 2005 13:50:23 -0400
Reply-To:     Paul Wyand <miatapaul@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Paul Wyand <miatapaul@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      AFM issues
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

Hello I am not a frequent poster, but the good news is that it is due to
having good luck with my Vanagon so far. Sorry for a long post but I wanted
to include what I have done so far.


 1984 1.9l with 170,000 no leaking heads


 I am having issues with the "Vanagon syndrome" and have put in new plugs,
cap and roter, O2 sensor and have taken the AFM apart. I cleaned it out with
contact cleaner. There was already a factory harness fix installed. I get
stumbling when I accelerate, especially after gear changes or changes in
accelerator. When I test the AFM with a meter it seems like the resistance
goes up from 500 to around 1500 then starts to go back down to 500 at full
open. This seems to correlate with the stumbling that I have been
experience. Slight acceleration and it runs OK, then any hill or gear change
it stumbles for a second or two until the flow slows down to where it is
getting an accurate signal. I tried moving the carbon track, buy loosening
the 3 screws holding it down and using a small screwdriver to move it as far
down and to the right as it could go, but was not able to get much movement.
(when facing it with the electrical connector facing down) Still same issue.
I think this indicates a bad AFM. Any thoughts on perhaps making the holes
bigger on the carbon track PBC board? then I could move it further.


 I am not working now, (temporary) and money is real tight, and making it
hard to get work as it is the only car I have on the road now. I saw that
the Parts Place has one in there catalog for $150 but does not say if this
is just used (most likely), rebuilt or new(not likely) and I am not sure a
used one for that much would be a good investment. I know some folks have
had problems with the Parts Place, I have dealt with them a few times and
have had good experiences.


 The other reason I do not really want to put any money into this is that I
have a Subaru motor in garage that I want to do a swap with and any money
spent on other issues will only delay that project.


 PS I just noticed that Bus Depot has a rebuilt for $149 so I may try that.
Just wanted more ideas for a cheap fix, even if it is not long term, as I
hope to start the swap this winter. (good project to keep me out of trouble
for the winter!) So all I need is a few months.