Date:         Tue, 17 Jan 2006 23:51:17 -0600
Reply-To:     Al and Sue Brase <albeeee@MCHSI.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Al and Sue Brase <albeeee@MCHSI.COM>
Subject:      running problems, 2.1
In-Reply-To:  <002901c61af1$624f9120$6401a8c0@michael1>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

    I recently changed engines in my brown 87. That is the engine I
overhauled 8 years, 60k miles ago. It was running great, but leaking
somewhat at the head gaskets. (plus it has extreme wear on the cam
bearing thrust).
    I put in one from my old Silver 87 that I wrecked in 2002. This
engine had been stored in the lower level of my garage where it is kinda
damp. When I got the thing running, I had problems with the dynamic oil
pressure system. The problem proved to be BOTH sensor wires were
corroded off on the harness on the motor. LIkely as a result of the
dampness in storage.
    Anyway, After I got it driving, it would start out nice, but as it
warmed up start running really lowsy. I eventually realized it was
smoking sooty black smoke.  I disconnected the O2 sensor wire and it
cleaned right up. Now today, it is running rich again, smokey, loading up.
Any ideas? FWIW, I used most all the original FI parts from the original
engine, not the one that was damp. The only parts I used from that motor
were: The oil pressure sensors and wire harness, the O2 sensor, the 2
temp sensors on the thermostat housing. The fuel injectors, FI
(Digifant) harness, idle stabilizer, hoses,fuel pressure regulator, AFM,
and ECU were from the old engine. (Which worked great and had been
working great for a LONG time.)
    Now here's the kicker: This afternoon, my wife was driving the 91
and it  stalled and wouldn't restart. When I got there, it started and
ran till I got into my own driveway. It WAS smoking sooty smoke. But
this one wouldn't restart. Even after I took the O2 sensor wire off.  I
suspect something temperature related. Possibly even the Hall sensor.
    So, both 2.1's fail the same day. What gives? Weather? It was cold
(high 20'sF) and dry. Both these have been super reliable. Last year,
the 91 was in 22 states and 2 provinces. In about 20 days. 20 long days.
    Maybe thermonuclear pulse? I can accept the possibility that both
cars are not suffering from the same problem.
Al Brase

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