Date:         Sun, 17 May 2009 09:20:20 -0700
Reply-To:     Loren Busch <starwagen@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Loren Busch <starwagen@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Vanagon minds lend me your ears?
Comments: To: Bernie <berniej@gmail.com>
In-Reply-To:  <2d5213e00905170813y2852574dwf147ef06d883db02@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8

 RE: Intermittent Running Problem
Bernie, that sounds very close to the problem I had on the way to BBTB this
year, Vanagon Intermittent Syndrome.  Mine was cured by putting in the VW
pigtail I carry.  What is different in your case is the engine actually
dying.  Everything I've read (and my limited personal experience) is that
the engine doesn't actually die, just the loss of power.
Since you just changed plugs I'd check VERY carefully ANY electrical (or
vacuum) lines that you you moved or even touched in the process.  Even to
the point of unplugging and reconnecting (to kind of sort of clean the
contacts).
I'd also check all the grounds where they come together on the left side of
the engine compartment.
I my case putting the VW pigtail in cured the problem for the rest of the
trip for me.  BUT, since then, as a test, I pulled the pigtail out and have
now done about 1,000 miles, 700+ with freeway speed driving, and not a hint
of Vanagon Syndrome.  So try just unplugging and reseating the connector at
the back of the AFM that goes through the firewall to the ECU.  I'm guessing
a slightly poor connection there may have been my problem and just plugging
in the pigtail 'wiped' the connections.