Date:         Sun, 6 Nov 2011 20:00:24 -0500
Reply-To:     Jeff Lincoln <magikvw@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jeff Lincoln <magikvw@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: '85 1.9 - fuel issues - UPDATED - Now longer nad with more
              Frustration and discust!
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OK - this will be long but I felt it best to start at the begining.

Several weeks ago my driver side rear tire cam off while going down the
road - less scary and less damaging than expected. I know this is most
likely not related to my current issues but this si where I will start.

Long story short on that tire situation - the bearings were bad - the
castlre nut spun off sheared the the cotter pin and the tire and entire
brake drum went with it. One stub axle, backing plate, bearings, brake
drum, and all new rear brakes later (a few weeks later) - it's all back
together and time to check it all out - go to start it and the battery is
dead - so we jump start it and it starts right up. >>>>>

It's running great then stalls out - we jump start it again - running great
sounding great - pull onto the street and I have no power when I give it
gas. Then idling very poorly - rough sputtering runnign crappy - then won't
start at all. Hmmmmm - was running great before tire issue and started and
ran great at first - darn. Well, lets put some dry gas in it and charge the
battery - next day nothing - will not start. >>>> life is busy and a couple
weeks pass before I can get a chance to really get into it (with a few
attempts of wishful thinking trying to start it.

So the past two days I've had some time and here is what I have done and
what I know:

1. I have spark and lots of it
2. If I spray starting fluid in the engine starts right up
3. I've replace the fuel filter
4. I have fuel pressure after the pump (and filter)
5. I've left the fuel line unhooked while someone turned the key - fuel
spray out of the filter (I previously switched from pre-pump plastic filter
to later model canister post pump filter)
6. I've replaced the fuel pressure regulator with a known good one.

So today I tested for power at the injectors - hooked a test light up had
someone turn the key and the light stays on solid - Bently says it should
pulse but it does not. I checked some of the terminals on the relays but
ran out of light and didn't get to finish.

Now, I also swapped in a know good ECU - the bus started - ran for a few
seconds and then stalled out never to start again. Is it possible I have a
bad ECU and now have screwed up another?

I don't know - I'm just frusterated and at the end of my rope right now (on
to other tasks and a good night sleep will help).

I'm wide open for further suggestions and advice.





Thanks,

Jeff
'85 GL (Gertie)
'90 Carat (Grover - the noble parts donor)
'78 Bus (Melissa) Patty's Bus