Date: Sat, 30 Jul 2011 07:53:01 -0600
Reply-To: Jonathan Edwards <edwards151@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Jonathan Edwards <edwards151@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: '85 gl 1.9 manual - bogging out - no power over 2nd gear
In-Reply-To: <CA+Spi22MnfzkGwj0BCLsuuANOuTem+rqKZmCMY4aS6aF7grZgw@mail.gmail.com>
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Sounds similar to a problem I recently had with my '85. Shortly after
I dropped my gas tank to do the re-seal, I noticed my fuel pump got
noticeably louder. Learned that this can be due to some kind of
restriction in the fuel line, or a dirty fuel filter (at the time I
had the square plastic filter between the tank and the pump). So I
switched to the more 'modern' setup, eliminating that square filter
and installing the larger can filter after the pump. This quieted down
my fuel pump right away. My theory was this - by dropping the tank, I
loosened up 25 years worth of gunk/rust whatever in the tank. That
debris quickly clogged the small square filter when I put everything
back together and ran the engine. Why didn't I clean the inside of the
tank when I had it out!? Did you?
So last weekend I drove probably 50 miles on rough gravel/washboard
roads. On my way home, while driving over a mountain pass, I suddenly
lost power partially. I was able to crest the pass at 35, luckily
there was road construction and the speed limit was 35, then coasted
down to a rest stop where the engine promptly died. (oh yeah, let me
back up for a minute - after gassing up about 30 minutes before the
pass, I noticed my fuel pump was noisy again! This got my attention
for sure, but the van was running fine at that point, so I decided to
motor on). So I'm pulled over at the rest stop, tried starting the
engine again, it idled roughly, then died. I'm not a mechanic, but it
sure seemed like it was starved for fuel. I was within 100 miles from
home, so called AAA for a tow. 5 minutes later decided to try starting
it again, and if fired right up. I let it idle for a bit and
everything seemed good, so I canceled my tow and drove home without
incident - and my fuel pump has been quiet ever since.
So I'm thinking a similar thing happened. The rough roads broke some
more dirt/debris loose in my fuel tank. A large enough chunk must have
temporarily blocked the inlet of the pump, or sump in the tank, but
somehow it dislodged...? My plan is this - I purchased a generic
clear fuel filter from my flaps that I'll install between the pump and
the tank. This way I can monitor what kind of junk is making it's way
from my tank to the pump. I also picked up a second can filter to have
on hand in case I need to swap one out on the road. Seems like the
only long term fix is a new clean tank.
Also, I saw one guy that installed a fuel pressure gauge after his
fuel filter, which seems to be an interesting idea.
http://www.kayakwesty.com/gastank.html - scroll clear to the bottom.
That would allow you to quickly eliminated fuel supply problems
if/when something like this happens again.
Good luck!
Jon
On Fri, Jul 29, 2011 at 9:47 AM, Jeff Lincoln <magikvw@gmail.com> wrote:
> Oh, and I'll try removing that O2 sensor asa you suggested as well.
>
> --
> Thanks,
>
> Jeff
> '85 GL (Gertie)
> '90 Carat (Grover - the noble parts donor)
> '78 Bus (Melissa) Patty's Bus
>
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