Date: Tue, 24 Jul 2012 21:45:28 -0400
Reply-To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: More stumbling from a 2.1
In-Reply-To: <CAFnDXk2J91FsQ9d5N=2Q82W4FaUGVab0zxOeE3-UWWv66vQoRg@mail.gmail.com>
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There are two possible causes here.
Since letting off the throttle resumes power I would begin by checking fuel
delivery. A clogged filter or in tank screen will cause these symptoms
shortly after start up. Shutting it off allows some of the dirt to fall away
from the inlet screen allowing a short period of normal running.
The next thing to check is the O2 sensor wiring. It should be able to run OK
with the sensor disconnected. A shorted coaxial cable (the green wire) or a
bad ground can cause similar symptoms. The most important ground is the one
in the harness to the distributor. This is often connected to the base of
the oil breather tower (plastic). Relocate and make sure the crimp/wire is
good.
Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Jim Felder
Sent: Tuesday, July 24, 2012 8:22 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: More stumbling from a 2.1
I wrote 2 or 3 days ago that my 91 2.1 was stumbling after startup, losing
power randomly and overall running roughly.
I wrote that I was going to start by replacing the Temp 2 sensor.
I did that, then I unplugged the O2 sensor, and it didn't like that at all,
but it ran better overall with the new Temp 2 and I thought it was fixed.
My daughter drove it about 8 miles and called me to come get her. It ran
fine at first, but then, according to her "it was like it lost a gear." I
could tell by her description that anytime the engine demanded gas, as on a
hill or accelerating on open road, it would show a loss of power.
I swapped in another AFM this morning. I started and idled it a number of
times during the day, letting it cool between starts. The stumbling was
gone. It sounded good. It ran good on a road test this evening, up to the
same distance, about eight miles in the other direction from yesterday's
run. This time I was driving. Running on the flat was OK.
A hill was a problem, I could let off the gas and the car would pull
competently but slowly. Give it gas, and the engine would almost die.
I've checked all the vacuum connections I could think of, though I admit I
know almost nothing about automatic transmissions, so there could be
something connected with that.
One more thing. On a hill on the first part of the drive, say two miles in,
when the engine was running strong, on a steep hill you could floor it and
the kickdown would only take place for about two seconds and then it would
shift back up.
Any ideas wold be greatly appreciated.
Jim