Date: Sat, 17 Oct 2009 20:40:09 -0700
Reply-To: Scott Daniel - Turbovans <scottdaniel@TURBOVANS.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Scott Daniel - Turbovans <scottdaniel@TURBOVANS.COM>
Subject: Re: Surging engine
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reply-type=original
if this set up can't be fairly easily fixed....
then
"Or..... swap in a later model year 1.8 8 valve that already has Digifant."
it would be an 'engine conversion' sort of, but most of the work is already
done ......
engine block wise .............it'll bolt right in. Might even be able to
use the same exahsut system.
and ....digifant is not that rat's nest of fuel hoses going everywhere like
the CIS is.
the hardest part would be doing the wiring harness..........which is not
that bad as wiring harness jobs go.
you'd need a common waterboxer fuel pump too.
those 1.8 digifants are 'all right.'
I did an RV code 1.8 8 valve 88 jetta into a vanagon .....
smooth, and reliable, easy to work on.......inexpensive engine to get
........
power was marginally acceptable though.
converting a diesel vanagon into inline four gas 1.8 makes sense - since
it's a bolt-in pretty much, it's smooth, and has lots more power than the
stocker that came out .
doing it to a waterboxer vanagon doesn't make as much sense ......kinda
'going sideways' .......you gain in some ways ( like a real head gasket )
but don't gain in other ways. The RV code engine's 100 hp did not seem like
any good ripin' 100 hp to me. Just so-so. Not that a waterboxer has so
much ripin' power either .........they get the job done though.
now I need to convert my 16 valve, DOHC 1.8 head to Difignat somehow.
my real dream would be to run it off subaru electronics and fuel
system............that system is STRONG baby. Every one I have buiilt,
starts instantly, goes well, and ......especially this, 'holds a set up'
really, really well" , but then .......so do my waterboxers, but the
soobie fuel system is a decade and a half or so newer tech.....it should be
a lot better. Have a plan to convert a waterboxer engine to subaru fuel
injection and electronics too. 'someday.'
scott
www.turbovans.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "neil n" <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Saturday, October 17, 2009 3:04 PM
Subject: Re: Surging engine
On Thu, Oct 15, 2009 at 5:32 PM, Paul Chubbuck <paul@takingflight.net>
wrote:
.....
> I have been told by two different seemingly competent shops that the
> problem
> lies in a part numbered Bosch 0 438 101 005, which I believe is called a
> fuel flow meter or a fuel injection pump. Not sure of that...I'm not a
> mechanic, as must be obvious.
>
> The first shop to work on it had it back at least 5 times before they gave
> up. They tried cleaning and adjusting that component to no avail. They
> couldn't get a new part and tried replacing with a used part and said the
> other used parts performed worse than my own. They also replaced the O2
> sensor.
>
> The 2nd shop said replacement of that part would cost me $2000 because the
> part is not made any more. They offered to do an engine conversion to a
> Suburu for $12,000!
>
> Can you tell from the symptoms if this part is really the culprit? Is
> there
> any way to replace this part at a reasonable price?
>
> Thanks very much in advance.
>
> Paul Chubbuck in Fort Collins
>
Googling the $2000 (installed $ presumably) Bosch PN as 0438100100 gives me
this
http://www.gmpperformance.com/index.cfm?PG=detail&PID=111539
More searching tells me that unless you find a known working good used
part, you are likely dealing with getting a rebuilt part. IF that part
is at fault.
If you haven't already done so, take your ride to a VW specialist that
knows electrical really well. Have the engine electricals checked out.
The surging could be something as simple as a loose wire or other
connection.
And not that you asked but...... ;)
IF current engine fine otherwise, (good compression, no smoke/leaks
etc.) consider changing from CIS engine management to Digifant. In
comparison to CIS, Digifant is a much more modern engine management
system. And I bet this would be much less money than the quote for the
Suby swap..... if done right the first time.
Or..... swap in a later model year 1.8 8 valve that already has Digifant.
Neil.
--
Neil Nicholson '81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco"
http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/
http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines
