Date:         Mon, 8 Jun 1998 20:14:56 -0700
Reply-To:     Randolph Feuerriegel <RFeuerriegel@BC.SYMPATICO.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Randolph Feuerriegel <RFeuerriegel@BC.SYMPATICO.CA>
Subject:      [Fwd: Re: 88 Syncro; erratic idle, missing, vibrations...
Comments: To: Vanagon@VANAGON.COM
Content-Type: multipart/mixed;

CanineWolf@aol.com wrote:
>
> Please tell me if you figure out what it is, sometimes my van has these
> problems and I cannot figureout what it is.  Especially the wanting to stay
> running when you shut if off problem..it kinda stutters as it shuts off.
> Thanks
>
> Tim G
> 87 gl syncro(166k)

Took the van in to a VW service today to get another look at possible
causes of erratic idle, missing, shudders, etc. I have noticed on long
hwy trips the the engine runs great for awhile, then poorly as in
missing. Changes like flicking a switch. Off and on.

Anyway, they set #1 cyl. at TDC, popped of the valve covers to have a
look at how the valves release. Not so good. #2 & #4 exhaust valves
don't pop back. Need to pry the rockers a few times to get them to move.
The rest of the valves are fair to good. The technician was of the
opinion that there is alot of carbon back there and probably down the
shaft, or damaged valve guides. The latter less likely being 2 of them.
This would make the valves float occaissionally. Hence the miss. Also
checked the tail pipe for pressure. A quick snap of the throttle showed
strong pressure. Pressure decreased considerably while holding high
rpm's in neutral.

My question to the list. Has anyone succeeded in removing carbon like
this short of taking off the heads ? To date I have done one
decarbonizing by having the fluid sucked in by way of throttle. Had the
crankcase purged (flushed). A 1 hour process. And lastly I have put 1
can of techron thru via the gas tank. Any thoughts on this ?

Thanks.
R.Feuerriegel
Victoria BC

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