Date: Thu, 25 Jun 1998 15:55:37 -0500
Reply-To: Darrell Boehler <midwesty@TAOS.MIDWEST.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From: Darrell Boehler <midwesty@TAOS.MIDWEST.NET>
Subject: Re: Dying Van
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
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Hi Steve,
Sounds like a fuel delivery problem again. This could be any of the
components like fuel filter, pump , or a clogged line or fuel pick up inside
your tank. What happens is when the fuel stops flowing for a bit the rust
and dirt loosens up around the filter and other restricted areas, letting
fuel through after you first start it up. Then it eventually gets packed in
tight again. Invest in a fuel pressure gauge and get a long enough hose so
you can watch your pressure while operating the van , the fuel ring on the
van requires a 7mm hose.
I have a nice solution for this on my van. I have an electric oil
pressure gauge and 3 electric senders, one for oil, one for fuel and one for
coolant. The senders all connect to a switch under the dash so I can
display any of the three pressures on the same oil pressure gauge. With
this set up I know if I have a problem or can diagnose the three systems
more easily. Like Joel said give us a few more years and our cockpits will
be like a 747s.
Darrell Boehler
Makanda Illinois
-----Original Message-----
From: Steven Johnson <afslj1@UAA.ALASKA.EDU>
To: Vanagon@VANAGON.COM <Vanagon@VANAGON.COM>
Date: Thursday, June 25, 1998 3:00 PM
Subject: Dying Van
>Greetings!
>
>I'm seeking input on a recurring problem with my '87 Westy. A few
>months ago, I wrote concerning the van's propensity to suddenly lose
>power while running. I took it to the TLM (trusted local
>mechanic--specialized in VW's) and one new fuel pump later, the problem
>disappeared.
>
>Well, it's back. I was on my way out of town the other day, and the
>same problem reared its ugly head. Here are the details:
>
>I'll be driving along, the van running fine, when suddenly the engine
>will lose power. It will continue to idle (*very* roughly) at about 500
>rpm (normal is around 1100-1200), but will not rev beyond about 800. It
>acts as if it isn't getting adequate fuel.
>
>I'll turn off the key, restart the van, and it will run fine for about
>5-10 seconds; revving normally, full power, etc. Then, it will lose
>power again, idle roughly, stammer and cough until I turn it off again.
>It's as if turning the key off resets something that allows it to start
>and run fine, but then it trips again and loses power.
>
>As I mentioned before, 6 months ago the van was doing exactly the same
>thing and finally died (i.e. wouldn't run/start after one of the
>episodes) so I had a new fuel pump and filter installed. The TLM said
>that the fuel pump had inadequate pressure (he did get it running again
>before installing the new pump) and was grinding, so he installed the
>parts anew.
>
>The conditions under which all this occurs are not consistant: low fuel
>or full tank, low or high rpms, loading the engine or coasting down a
>hill, raining or sunny, nothing seems to effect it.
>
>I've taken it back to the TLM again, and he says he can't find anything
>wrong with it (it's running fine now--between episodes, that is). I had
>him put a new fuel filter on it, but anticipate that that's not the real
>problem.
>
>I'm thinking electrical, especially since it seems to "reset" with
>turning off the key. Has anyone had similar problems? Where do I
>start? BTW: I'm pretty good at diagnosing problems with engines, but
>terrible at fixing them. Any recommendations should be easy to perform
>or relatable to a VW mechanic.
>
>Thanks in advance for your help!!
>
>Steve
>
>Steve Johnson
>Anchorage, AK
>
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