Date:         Sun, 19 Apr 2009 14:11:43 -0400
Reply-To:     Greg Potts <greg@POTTSFAMILY.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Greg Potts <greg@POTTSFAMILY.CA>
Subject:      Re: Help! Stranded in Phoenix-Loses power and dies
Comments: To: Toni Rizzo <toni@MCN.ORG>
In-Reply-To:  <49EB5D02.3020207@mcn.org>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

Hi Toni,

Larry Chase has a great resource for finding recommended shops for
Vanagons on his Roadhaus.com website; there are some recommended shops
in Phoenix:

http://www.roadhaus.com/shops.php

With the sort of problem you describe it's usually best to start with
the basics; make sure ALL the vacuum hoses are connected, all the wiring
connectors are firmly fastened and the hose clamps on the rubber S-boot
to the air cleaner are done up properly.  After that, I'd verify the
spark and fuel pressure, then consider replacing the coolant temp sender.

I was messing around with the O2 sensor wiring on my bus last week; if
there's a problem in that circuit the van will still start well; but
will start to run rough very soon after it begins to warm up. At least
that's my experience.



Greg Potts
1973/74/79 Westfakia "Bob the Tomato"
1987 Wolfsburg Weekender Hardtop
www.busesofthecorn.com
www.pottsfamily.ca

Toni Rizzo wrote:
> While driving to Phoenix last night on I-10 from Tucson there was an
> accident and a major slow down for about 10 miles. After we got past the
> accident and i stepped on the gas, my '90 automatic Westy just lost
> power and went from 30 mph to 20 to 10 and after creeping along died and
> wouldn't start again. I waited about 20 minutes and tried again and the
> same thing happened. So I got towed to my brother's in Phoenix. I tried
> starting it this morning and she didn't want to start...sort of
> sputtered. The second time I tried she did start but sounds weak. My
> brother has the Bentley out now but doesn't really know anything about
> these engines. Any ideas anyone? I just had a new O2 sensor put in 3
> weeks ago before I left on this trip and she's been running fine until
> now. The coolant looks good and the oil level is fine. Anyone in the
> Phoenix area have any ideas? Is there a good mechanic here?
>
> Thanks!
>
> Toni from northern Ca
> '90 Westy
>


--
Happy Trails,