Date: Sun, 24 Jan 2010 10:24:11 -0500
Reply-To: mordo <helmut.blong@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: mordo <helmut.blong@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Powerwashing FAIL
In-Reply-To: <410029d71001231715j3cb8374btc6b372426fcecca3@mail.gmail.com>
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I appreciate the input. I did test the current to the TPS yesterday but I
did not measure resistance of the switch, only voltage to the switch. I'll
check the switch today once I locate my feeler gauge.
I think it is unlikely to be moisture that is the problem. The power washing
factor may be a red herring in this instance. While I did begin to
experience the problem after the power washing episode, that was over a
month ago and the engine runs nicely once warm. In the instance of moisture
in the dist., I think it would cause running problems in general not just at
cold start.
So, I'm left wondering if the ISV effects cold start. I think that it must
as its function is to add air to the mix at the throttle, yes? So, if it
isn't functioning and it is not adding air at cold start, then opening the
throttle slightly at cold start is allowing the needed air into the
throttle. Does that makes sense?
I suspect that the ISCU is kaput. Is there no way to test the ISCU itself? I
haven't any method described in any of the manuals. It's an expensive part
to swap in on a hunch.
cheers,
mordo
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: W Monk <billmonk@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, Jan 23, 2010 at 8:15 PM
Subject: Re: Powerwashing FAIL
To: mordo <helmut.blong@gmail.com>
I think that your Throttle Position switch is wet. I had this happen to me.
For some reason the way its upside down hold mositure and it just kills
them. Verify its function with a meter and make sure its dry.
Bill
On Sat, Jan 23, 2010 at 3:23 PM, mordo <helmut.blong@gmail.com> wrote:
> Citizens,
>
> I've revisited this issue finally. I've done some testing and I'm still
> baffled.
>
> Summary:
>
>
> 1. Seemingly coincident with the aforementioned powerwashing escapade,
>
> the engine will not cold start without applying some throttle and will
> not
> hold idle without holding the throttle open slightly.
> 2. Once warm(and not even completely warm), the engine runs well; it will
>
> even hold a slightly wandering idle at stop (800-950 rpm).
> 3. I've tested the ISV and it snaps open and closed smartly. However, it
>
> does not hum at all when the engine is operating.
> 4. I've tested current at the ISCU, it's there. So, ISCU is bad is the
> diagnosis?
> 5. I've tested the TPS for adjustment and current. 5 volts at the
> connector, as specified
> 6. I cannot find any other component amiss - vacuum, electrical or fuel.
> 7. Even after sitting for weeks, the engine starts immediately if I give
>
> it a little throttle.
>
> Questions:
>
>
> 1. What is likely to be at fault given these circumstance? Fuel?
> Ignition?
> 2. Does the ISCU figure into the cold start operation?
> 3. If the engine will idle decently without an operational ISCU and ISV,
>
> what will happen if I input a working ISCU?
>
>
> Any ideas, anyone?
>
> cheers,
>
> mordo
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> From: mordo <helmut.blong@gmail.com>
> Date: Fri, Dec 4, 2009 at 5:53 PM
> Subject: Powerwashing FAIL
> To: vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com
>
>
> Hey, gang. Happy Friday.
>
> Recently, I changed AT oil and filter and was eager to know if I had, at
> the
> same time, fixed weeping oil filth. So, I took La Vana Blanca for an
> engine/trans/diff wash at the local self-serve carwash. I soaked it all up
> with the engine cleaning selection and then blasted it all with the
> "powerwash" device. I did all of this with the engine running under the
> premise that if I got anything sufficiently wet enough to make it shut
> down,
> it would be good to know right away. Nice, clean engine and trans, no prob,
> drove home.
>
> Long story short, I have since not been able to start the engine without
> coaxing the throttle a bit. It will not hold idle when cold. After coming
> up
> to operating temp, it will idle but at about 850 rpm and a little bit
> lumpy.
> My question of the collective experience is: what is the most likely
> component to cause this condition under the conditions described above?
> BTW,
> the engine was running very nicely prior to this folly.
>
> Cheers and thanks for any wisdom you can offer.
>
> --
> mordo
> 1990 Carat
> 2.1l WBX, AT, 171k miles
>
>
>
> --
> mordo
> 1990 Carat
>
--
mordo
1990 Carat
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