Date:         Fri, 22 Feb 2008 10:51:59 -0500
Reply-To:     Ken Lewis <kdlewis@NORTHSTATE.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Ken Lewis <kdlewis@NORTHSTATE.NET>
Subject:      Re: WHAT JUST HAPPENED???
Comments: To: Chad Lyles <chad.lyles@GMAIL.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
              reply-type=original

Chad,
Our 85 would exhibit these symptoms if you stalled the engine. It would turn
over but not catch and stink of gas. I discovered the work-around of
activating WOT (wide open throttle) to get it started.
My theory was the timing advance mechanism in the distributor was getting
slammed into a fully advanced position when the engine was stalled. WOT
caused three things to occur; it dropped the intake manifold vacuum to
retard the timing closer to normal, fooled the ECU in thinking it was still
in idle (since the WOT sensor and idle position sensor are the same switch)
and allowed a lot of air in to clear the flooding.
The problem never returned after I lubricated the timing mechanism. Your
owners manual states the felt button under the rotor should receive a few
drops of lubricant at every oil change.
I would get used to the "miraculous cure just before the tow truck arrives"
syndrome. ;-\
Good Luck,
Ken Lewis
http://neksiwel.20m.com/