Date: Sat, 4 Apr 2009 21:45:53 -0400
Reply-To: Marc Perdue <mcperdue@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Marc Perdue <mcperdue@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Idle issues...
In-Reply-To: <953539.59359.qm@web52106.mail.re2.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
I got a chance to look at the van today and was looking over several
of the things that you all had suggested. While inspecting the rubber
boot between the AFM and the fuel injection assembly, I noticed that
the clamp on the rubber boot was not tight! Tightened it down and the
van seems to be running better, though I still haven't had time to
thoroughly test it.
Thanks for all the input!
Marc
On Thu, Apr 2, 2009 at 6:14 PM, dylan friedman <insyncro@yahoo.com> wrote:
> Marc,
> Unplug the O2 sensor and run it to full operating temp.
> What does it act like?
>
> Also, there is a ground wire to the ECU that in the stock location is
> connected to the breater tower base in the center of the engine.
> The tower is plastic and doesn't conduct well.
> Relocate that wire to a metal part, like the threaded post next to the tower
> or the small nut and bolt holding the distrbutor, don't move the distributor
> if you choose that one and see if that helps.
>
> After regrounding, plug in the O2 sensor and let warm up to full temp.
>
> If the power is still off, it is a bad O2.
>
> dylan
>
> ________________________________
> From: Marc Perdue <mcperdue@GMAIL.COM>
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Sent: Thursday, April 2, 2009 4:46:59 PM
> Subject: Idle issues...
>
> Hi all,
>
> It's good to be back after a multi-year absence of mostly
> good-running, good-funning time with my '87 Westfalia. I've had a
> number of idle issues with my van over the years, but replaced the
> engine when it threw a rod with a Boston Bob big valve engine several
> years ago. I was very sorry to find out this week that Bob had passed
> away. His was a rational and informed voice and he was very
> forthcoming in sharing information and helping me with various
> problems over the years.
>
> I've had a fairly recent and on-going problem which has taken a new
> twist recently. Here is the run-down:
>
> The problem was initially that the van, an '87 Westy, would run fine
> going to work in the AM. After work, it would initially run fine, but
> then would start losing power, running rough, and stalling at
> stoplights. I'd restart and it work fine for a minute. I had some
> time ago replaced the idle stabilizer control module, cleaned and
> checked the idle stabilizer valve, replaced the Temp II sensor,
> replaced the fuel filter, replaced the gas tank gaskets, replaced the
> O2 sensor, and replaced a number of exhaust system parts (they were
> leaking). A few weeks ago, I replaced the AFM. Now the van would
> sometimes stall when it was cold, but seemed to be running better.
> Then one day I was driving to my parents' house, 45 miles away, on a
> very rainy day. It lost power as if the engine had just turned off.
> I'd turn it back on and it would run for about 10-15 seconds before
> losing power again. I happened to have a new fuel pressure regulator
> and replaced that, to no avail.
>
> I had it towed to a non-VW shop where they checked lots of stuff like
> grounds, O2 sensor function, spark plugs, and distributor. They fixed
> a gas
> leak on the passenger side. They said they didn't know what else to
> do and suggested I have it towed to a VW shop. On a hunch, I asked
> them to set the valve lash to zero, cold, per Boston Bob's
> instructions for the big valve engine. It was off. It ran better,
> and I was able to drive it home, but the idle is still rough as a cob.
>
> I'm sort of at a loss as to what to do next, other than replace the
> ECU, which I have tested, and which meets specs.
>
> And festival season is coming up . . . sigh . . .
>
> Thanks for any light you all can shed on this . . .
> Marc Perdue
>
> PS--Coincidentally, I have an '85 BMW 528e whose radiator broke, and
> an '88 BMW 535 IS with electrical issues, and which decided not to
> stay running at all anymore, both at the same time. So, I am carless
> at the moment . . . Waaahhh.....
>
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