Date:         Sun, 06 Apr 1997 11:33:57 -0400
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         "James R. Wetzel" <jrwetz@sunlink.net>
Subject:      Re: LOW POWER 84GL

Wolfburg@aol.com wrote:
> 
> I have AN 84 GL (automatic).  For about a year I have struggled with a low
> power/poor milage
> problem.  Compression checks out on all cyl.  Power is good unti the engine
> warms up.   After reaching operating temperature it is a dog and I get about
> 16 miles to the gallen on the hwy.  I might think this is normal except for
> the fact that I have an 83 that is identical except for the xmision (4spd
> manual).  It seems to have plenty of power and averges from 22-24 miles per
> gal.  I have swapped out every component in the fuel and ignition system
> including fuel rails.  The only thing I haven't changed is the wiring harness
> itself.  This includes different computer, ignition module, injectors,
> flapper box and fuel regulator. I have also changed the temperature sensor #1
> that is next to the temperature sender near water pump.
> 
> I also get the mysterious and famous occasional miss/ cut-out that occures
> infrequently and is corrected by shutting the engine off and starting up
> again.  I haven't purchased the reccomened harness that is suppose to fix
> this but I don't think this is unrelated to the fuel consumption and power
> problem.
> 
> Any ideas would be appreciated?
> 
> Larry Cloninger,  83 Westy, 84 GL and 85 Parts Vanagon
I too have the same problem with my 84 Westy.  Got about 20mpg when I
first purchased it at 70k.  5k later I started noticing terrible mileage
(14-15mpg)  I searched the archives and I cannot get a clear picture
about this harness.  It seems that it is a fix for 86(85?)  and above. 
However, I exhibit the exact same symptoms as you do and what the
archives say, so I think I will track down a new harness.  What the hell
it just might work.. Good luck and I will let you know.