Date:         Sat, 7 Dec 2013 12:48:12 -0500
Reply-To:     Steve Cotsford <cotsford@AOL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Steve Cotsford <cotsford@AOL.COM>
Subject:      making a  little headway but need advice
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

I am woking on the '88 Biuestar I bought back in April and I am now feeling able to work on it.       The van came with an uninstalled 2.1 (not the original from this van) that was missing some parts etc. which back in May I installed with replacement parts, exhaust etc.    I believe I have assembled it with all the Injection system and ignition system complete.     My progress was cut short by a vehicle accident almost 6 months ago and only now do I feel able to pick up where I left off.
I had a fight with an aftermarket door lock system from which I have removed a fuse and I am now able to make the starter and fuel pump work.
I have fitted a replacement fuel pump, filters etc and have it working and seen fuel pressure at the system gauge point of up around 39 psi on a mechanical gauge.    
I have checked out the spark plug firing order and seen that the distributor rotor is pointing to the right position when the pulley mark is at TDC for cyl 1.  
    
I have tried starting the engine multiple times and have had it firing consistently on 2 cylinders I believe.    
  
I then checked the Digifant injectors with engine turning and I don't seem to have any spray pattern coming from them in spite of the 39psi supply although the 2 on the l/h assembly have been firing I believe.

I don't have any special equipment at my disposal as I live in the boonies about 1 1/2 hours away from a VW dealer or known VW mechanic.   I do however have a good Fluke meter and a Bentleys.    I have been working on vehicles for 45 plus years though mostly VW diesels, Land Rovers and BMW motorcycles in recent years.

!       Is there any advice on how I can check that the injectors are not plugged and that they are getting a signal to activate them?    Should I just drive to a dealer or mechanic and have the injectors pressure tested by people who know what they are doing?      Can I use my Fluke meter to determine that the injectors are getting a correct firing signal?    at the right time?    How does the ECU know when to fire the injectors?

2       Is there a way I can be more sure that the timing is correct?    Once again, I have checked that the firing order is right and that the distributor  rotor is pointing towards the notch with the pulley mark at TDC on cyl 1.        The Bentley gives good advice on checking timing on a running engine but obviously I cant do that yet.     The fact that 2 seem to be firing should let me know something right? 

3       Any thing else that I should do?    Electrical tests.     Mechanical tests.    Stuff that all Vanagon Digifant owners should know to do ??

Thanks,  Steve