Date:         Sun, 21 Jun 2009 16:19:35 -0400
Reply-To:     Ted Titcomb <ted@TITCOMB.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Ted Titcomb <ted@TITCOMB.COM>
Subject:      six guys update
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Well, Payson began to feel uneasy about the work, slow pace, and
direction that the diagnostic work being done at the Sinclair station in
las vegas yesterday, and decided to have the van towed to Meyers lot
(recommended by members, and apparently a vanagon enthusiast). The
conclusion that the mechanic at Sinclair came to was that it was the air
flow sensor, although this part had been replaced recently by the
previous owner, basically a new part.
I got some good advise from vanagon members, and the internet, and all
things point to the temperature sensor.
They were driving from San Diego to Vegas yesterday in 95 degree
temperatures, in a fully loaded air cooled van. Payson had reported that
during the trip the oil pressure was hanging around 13 -15 psi. they had
just changed the oil in san diego , 20-50w .  although he felt like it
was low due to being about ½ qt.down on the dipstick (didn’t have quite
enough for the oil change, and had trouble finding the same grade on the
road) he ended up topping it off with 10-40w, but of course this didn’t
change the low pressure much.
At this point, I think the engine was just running very hot, as you
would expect. When they got to Vegas and let the car sit for 4 hours
(just the right amount of time to cool back down to ambient) the problem
showed up. The Sinclair mechanic confirmed that the misfiring was due to
it running too rich.
I think the high heat fried the old temp. sensor and when it cooled off,
it failed.
The symptoms occurred suddenly and consistently.
A website suggested disconnecting the temperature sensor and connecting
a test light between the harness connector and ground (using it as a
sort of resistor) to get the engine to run until the part can be had. If
this works, the guys could get back on the road today and feel good
about making their deadline of being back to Boston by Friday. If they
need to wait until tomorrow when Meyers opens, even though this would be
the most reliable  solution, some of them think they should dispose of
the van and fly home.
Personally, I hope they manage to get the thing going today by hook or
by crook, and make a run for it!
 I’m waiting to hear.