Date:         Thu, 8 Apr 2010 09:49:38 -0700
Reply-To:     Todd <dermultivan@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Todd <dermultivan@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Another 2.1 WBX stumbling thead - with a twist!
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Hi all,

I am getting the oh-so-very-Vanagonesque random stuttering problem on 91 2.1L with 229,xxx miles (idle and other aspects of engine running seem fine).  I checked all the connections I could find, and recently replaced cap, rotor, plugs, AFM, ECU, canister-type (only one I have) fuel filter, and the battery is 48 months in on a 75-month Interstate MT-41.  The only things I *think* may be in question are the two relays in the box above the coil (FI and other?), idle stabilizer ( ?), or hall sender.

This is where I have a major question.  Five years ago when I bought the van, the PO stated his mechanic replaced the 86-92 distributor with 83-85 Vanagon one saying that it was a better option.  Since, I have always bought a dist. cap for 83-85 when installing tune-up parts annually and all has worked great (til now).  Also, in reviewing the archives and vendor sites articles, there are references to vacuum unit that would go with the 83-85 distributor, yet I do not have this.  Should I replace the relays only and see what happens (if this could even be a cause of stumbling?) OR what do I do about hall sender?  Buy one for 83-85 distributor?  Should I spend money to move back to 86-92 distributor setup?  Other thoughts/questions?

Thanks!
Todd