Date: Thu, 23 Oct 2014 18:25:53 -0700
Reply-To: Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: RnR - Air and Vacuum/Coolant - Van Runs Terrible
In-Reply-To: <CAKLYf133Q0eusYwe0Z=yTAZmi2v9cdTHRSck7mNrbnKvt21bzg@mail.gmail.com>
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Sure sounds like a timing issue. The distributor only goes back in one way when done correctly. Push down on the rotor and turn it until distributor drops down about 1/8th inch. There is a slot in the drive gear that a key on the distributor fits into. If you removed the drive gear, see Bentley page 13.8 for correct installation. Be careful you don't lose the thrust washer, use grease to hold it in place when you insert the drive shaft, and be aware of that washer when you remove it. They can get tipped, or fall into the engine.
Stuart, BTDT.
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Ryan Perry
Sent: Thursday, October 23, 2014 1:01 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: RnR - Air and Vacuum/Coolant - Van Runs Terrible
So, some of you have helped me as I redid my Throttle Body, Air Plenum and Intake Runners. I buttoned everything up being very careful as possible to check all connections. Got everything buttoned up to be able to run and refill coolant and now the Van is running terrible. 84 1.9 with old style vacuum system.
It is backfiring off throttle, if I can even get it off of throttle. No Power when I do and get it up in the RPMs. It almost sounds like it is missing on a cylinder when I get it up in RPMs. It also seems to come in waves...so it will idle decent (though still chugging), then after a bit will idle down to very rough and die. For the most part the worst of it seems to be in the low RPM range. This is all while up to temp.
Few questions...I can still hear air coming through the Plenum. Is that normal? Do you guys hear air in your plenum?
How tight should the connection from the Throttle Body to the Plenum be? I am wrenched down pretty good but seems set and solid....not sure but want to double check.
I did the propane leak check and didn't get any response from idle.
One thing I was thinking is that perhaps when I pulled the distributor cap to check the vacuum workings in there I also oiled below the button.
Perhaps in doing that and coupling it with the RnR on the intake side that the timing is now off?
Either way, sorely disappointed...worked for the past 2 weeks hoping for a great running van and can't even make it out of the driveway!
appreciate the collective wisdom!
Ryan Perry
Asheville, NC
Artie McFartie '84 1.9