Date:         Sat, 1 Oct 2005 12:14:53 -0700
Reply-To:     Keith Ovregaard <kovregaard@COMCAST.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Keith Ovregaard <kovregaard@COMCAST.NET>
Subject:      O2 unplugged solves Vanagon Syndrome
Comments: To: syncrolist@yahoogroups.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed

Hi All

Just got back from a "shake-down" trip in my 90 Westy and a few issues
cropped up. The sink faucet broke off at the swivel connection and
water was leaking out of that joint from first night on. The new
GoWesty drive shaft or something in that area was vibrating at 60+ mph,
and the vanagon syndrome came on with a vengeance. The faucet I duct
taped and was not a big deal. The drive shaft was removed at GoWesty
and one of the new guys there made this laser aligning device to match
up the front diff with the transaxle. It was off by an inch or more and
some shimming was done to get them to align. The shaft went back in and
all was smooth! I am very happy with the folks there at GoWesty. Well
done!

Back to the Vanagon syndrome. It was getting very consistent and more
problematic as the trip wore on. GoWesty suggested a new AFM or ECU,
both more than I wanted to spend unless it was absolutely known what is
needed. At one point I disconnected the O2 sensor and it cured the
problem, so I bought a new one, hooked it up and the problem
reappeared! I then opened the AFM cover to re-track the wiper arm and
clean the contacts, but that did little. So I disconnected the new O2
sensor again and all was well the rest of the trip.

Anyone know why the syndrome goes away when the O2 is unplugged? And
what will solve the problem besides leaving the sensor unplugged?

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

Keith Ovregaard
84 Westy "Brownie" Solar Charged Camper
90 Westy Syncro (No name yet for the pastel white box)