Date:         Tue, 18 Oct 2005 18:04:28 -0700
Reply-To:     Keith Ovregaard <kovregaard@COMCAST.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Keith Ovregaard <kovregaard@COMCAST.NET>
Subject:      Vanagon Syndrome Solved, finally!
Comments: To: syncrolist@yahoogroups.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed

Hi all,

Well, I finally got to the bottom of this months-long problem with the
engine on my 90 syncro and now, I am very happy to say, it has been
fixed. As you may remember, there was a long list of sensors, wiring,
relays, connectors, and other stuff that was checked which all appeared
in working order. I eventually swapped out the AFM, ECU, distributor,
rotor, cap, ignition wires, coil, fuel regulator, idle stabilizer, idle
control module and replaced the O2 sensor and temp sensor. None of
which solved the problem. Checked for vacuum leaks and wire meltdowns,
etc.... Nothing but a surging, bucking, gas-guzzling WBX'r.

Then I removed the throttle body to check the throttle switch (again)
and noticed sometimes the continuity was not 100% every time. A new
switch was ordered on Saturday and arrived today (tuesday), thanks to
Jared at the now renamed Van-Cafe. Popped it in, made some adjustments
and bolted the throttle body back on the engine.

Time for (another) test-drive... here goes... please work! Starts fine
as usual. Backs out of the driveway just fine. Up the hill, no problem.
Into town and still running fine! Climb up a REALLY steep hill in
granny gear at high RPM, that's more like it!

So, unless I am being tricked by the syndrome again, this case is
closed.

Total cost: $79 and too many hours with my head in the engine
compartment to count. Ask my wife, she will back me up on that. Or
rather kick my back end out of the house!

Add to the list of stuff to check and replace before getting into the
big-buck items like the ECU and AFM (most listers and vanagon expert
mechanics suspected those two things).

I would like to thank Paul at Valley Wagonworks for his help and a box
of parts to swap out and not charging me a cent.

And of course thanks to all of you folks on the list who emailed your
wagers as to what the problem/soltution could be.

Back on the road again...

Keith O
84 Westy "Brownie" Solar Charged Camper FOR SALE!
90 Westy Syncro