Date:         Wed, 11 Jan 2006 08:16:56 -0800
Reply-To:     roger sisler <rogersisler2000@YAHOO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         roger sisler <rogersisler2000@YAHOO.COM>
Subject:      found some hidden vacuum leaks
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

WBX not idleing like it should? Try checking these vacuum leak sources.

  First, one of the intake runners on my vanagon was loose. I could actually wiggle it a tiny bit. A 13mnm socket is all this takes to fix.

  I  re-o-ringed the fuel injectors  at each side of the engine. An o-ring kit is avaliable at Advancde Auto Parts for $5. It contains 4 large o-rings and 4 small o-rings.To instrall these, first remove the 10mm nut that attaches the gang of 2 injectors at the lower part of the intake runner. The gang will pull out now. The smaller rubber o-rings may , or may  not come out with the injectors.The small rings go oneach injector. Use a small screwdriver to pry out any o-rings that remain in the o-ring seat.Cut the large o-rings off the inectors and slide new ones on .Stuff the gang back into the holes and reattach with the 10mm bolt.


  Next, I found large cracks in the brake vacuum boster line that goes from the  air intake distributor  to the plastic line at the rear of the engine compartment. The cracks were at the bend. Bend the line more to see any cracks. I uses a 7/16 diameter X 1ft. line for replacement.

  The throttle assembely can work itself loose fronm the air intake distributor causing a leak. Just use a large phillips head screw driver to tighten up on the 2 screws that are used for attachment.

  The rubber boot that goes between the AFM and throttle assembely and cause problems too. I used a tar/gum  like substance to seal up any leaks where the 2 large hoses attach at the top. Also ,the boot can tear at the 45 degree bend at the mid point of the boot.This tear is at the rear and cannot be easily seen. When the engine is revved up, the boot may flex and cause the crack ot open up.An intermittant vacuum leak. I used weather stripping cement on this. Is works very well, and matches the color of the boot.

  The breather tower can leak air at the point where the hose attaches. This hose is rather hard rubber,and may not fully seal. I just put a clamp on this.Also, the tower may leak oil at the base. Mine was loose and masqueraded as a worn main seal. I got oil all over the front of the engine.  The 10mm nuts at the base needed a bit of tightening up.

  These fixes, and using a hose clamp at every hose joint on the right side of the WBX made a very big difference for me. Smooooth idle now . I was figuting that I may have poorly sealing valves in the heads(which I probably still do have ) , and resigned myself to a less than acceptable idle. I think I will get  a bit better gas mileage now too. Got any favorite vacuum sites that I missed?


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