Well, it did turn out to be the fuel filter, but not for the usual reasons. Despite knowing better, I let the gas tank drop below half during COLD weather, and water froze in the fuel filter, rendering the fuel pressure unusable. Good news, the fuel filter was due to be replaced anyways. The louder sound was the fuel pump struggling. Thanks to all those who sent in suggestions, and a word of warning to anyone careless enough (like me) to forget the simple things. :) Safe driving in all this winter wonderland! Phil '81 Westy p.s. Other than this one incident, the van has been great in the snow and cold. p.p.s. Thank goodness for Eberspachers (gas heaters) :)
----- Original Message ----- From: "PHIL MURPHY" <phil.murphy@SHAW.CA> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM> Sent: Wednesday, November 29, 2006 10:01 AM Subject: Strange happenin's this mornin' :(
> Question for you all. > My '81 Westy has been running superbly all through our recent cold snap, > until this morning. When I went out this morning, it started up fine, but > once in gear it ran poorly. In order to make any progress, I had to keep > it in lower gears, and rev much higher than normal. After a few minutes, > life returned to normal. > > However, after about 20 minutes of driving, I shut down for a short while, > and the problem returned upon starting again. I lost almost all power on > _any_ hill, was getting regular backfiring, and finally had to park it and > catch a ride. > > There is a new sound coming from the rear of the van, perhaps engine area, > don't think it's the gas heater fan, as it's turned off. It is not the > rectifier/alternator, as I have recently repaired that, and am getting > good voltage. > > I'm stumped, and have checked the archives. I'm going to have it towed to > our local gurus, but was wondering if any of you have an idea as to what > may have caused this strange, sudden change in behaviour, from a > previously perfectly running van. > > Thanks for any advice, > Phil > > > -- > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.5.430 / Virus Database: 268.15.0/557 - Release Date: 11/29/2006 > 4:15 PM > > |
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