Date:         Mon, 4 Dec 2006 21:16:13 -0500
Reply-To:     Geza Polony <gezapolony@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Geza Polony <gezapolony@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Subject:      Two battles won!

Hey folks,

I just fixed my pernicious putt-putt idle problem byt replacing the
thermostat, which was apparently leaking or sticking open or opening too
early. These engines do not like to run cold! This is after replacing the
afm, Temp 2, idle switch, AAR, fuel injectors, distributor cap and wires,
and setting the spark advance. Eureka!

Second thing--replacing the rear engine mounts completely cured a nasty
"grinding" sound when backing up. What seems to happen is that the engine
torques backwards when under stress in reverse, and if the mounts are old,
it makes an awful sound and vibration. I was thinking tranny or CV joint
problems. At $30 more or less and an hour and a half pretty easy labor, it's
worth replacing these every 60K miles or so, even though nobody pays much
attention to them. For some reason in the Saab world these are done
regularly (and they're a h**l of a lot harder to do, too!).

Thanks to all who advised on the thermostat problem.


Geza