Date: Thu, 11 Jul 1996 16:16:42 -0400 (EDT)
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From: ERIC ZENO <emz@viper.nauticom.net>
Subject: Help:87 syncro running bad
I am the consequential owner of a 1987 Vanogon Syncro. I need help with an
electrical/ignition problem that won't go away for more than three months at
a time. My van acts like there is water in the fuel and runs very rich and
coughs black smoke. Power loss is evident and the idle is very rough. Every
once in a while it runs wonderfully as if a mechanic were standing right
there. Other times the power loss episodes are erratic and random. When it
is acting up pressing the accellerator to the floor clears it up with a jolt
of power and accelleration... let up on the gas and it starts jerking and
coughing again. It has new heads; alternator; waterpump; CPU; plugs; wires;
cap/rotor; air filter; etc.... Help me!!!!
My name is Neal Helfman and my e-mail address is;
NHelfman@aol.com
If you know of anyone who specializes in Vanogon electronic fuel injection
please give them my name!!!! I have $$$$$ to spend for the correct
diagnosis!!! Thankyou
Neal,
First where are you located...If you are in PGH. PA
I will fix it at no cost for labor, you supply parts.
Second don't ever offer $$$$$$ to fix any such small problem!
reguardless it will end up costing you $$$$$!
I had a very similar problem that the dealer could not fix!
It was the middle of the winter and I didn't have a place out
of the snow to work on it. So I thought a VWoA dealer was the
best thing. Man was I wrong. They wanted to put a computer in.
6 weeks later after the snow was melting I fix it by replacing
a wire. I simply traced out every wire in the engine compartment
from the computer to the engine. Found the temperature sensor
not making a connection. Pulled on the wire right there in the
engine compartment where the engine rocks and found the break.
I then replaced the entire wire to the computer. I haven't has
that problem since.
Your symptoms sound just like mine. The only other thing I
know of that will can cause these symptoms is the O2 sensor. To
check this just disconnect the single wire plug. This is a good
temperary check. Or a temerary fix to get you home.
let us know what you find
Eric Zeno
emz@nauticom.net
86 Syncro
86 GL
72 240Z
1936 Chrysler