Date:         Mon, 28 Sep 1998 09:31:04 -0400
Reply-To:     Gary Thaxter <gthaxter@DGTDESIGN.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Gary Thaxter <gthaxter@DGTDESIGN.COM>
Subject:      Re: 87' syncro runs rough--Maybe running Rich?
Comments: To: vanagon@vanagon.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

>After a very long conversation with three (idiots) VW dealers in my area
>who tried to tell me I didn't know what I was talking about when I told
>them that the sensor screws into the thermostat housing, I finally got
>the part. I replaced the temp sensor and still had the problem ($40.00
>if you by it at VW). If I unplug the O2 sensor it runs much better w/ a
>good idle and it no longer blows black soot out of the exhaust ( you
>need to hold a paper towel to the tail pipe to really notice it). Is
>there another test (voltage, ohms) to check the O2 sensor without using
>the CO test equipment in the bently manual.
>
>The new O2 sensor would be $180.00 from VW or is there another company
>who offers this at a better price.




When my van (86 syncro) started running rough, black soot and all, it was
because it was running too rich (to much fuel being sent to burn).  I
checked and tested every sensor, cleaned all connections, which didn't
hurt, but didn't solve the problem.  Turned out it was my fuel pressure
regulator.  It is on top of the engine, about the size of a spool of
thread, with three fuel lines and a vacuum line attached to it.  It only
takes five minutes to remove.  I don't know if it is possible to test it,
but putting in a good one (from a good running van) will tell you if it was
your problem or not.  Be careful because the fuel lines are under pressure.

It may not be your problem, but it is easy to change and may save you a lot
of time/headaches and trips to dealers.

If you need one, they are expensive, I think about $140 canadian at the
dealer.  I ordered one from a Blue-Streak dealer and it only cost about
$90.  When I opened the box, it was a BOSCH part anyway!!  One of the
discount boys from the list might get you one cheaper.

I just had the problem again on my other van (85 kombi) YESTERDAY, only
really bad! gas in my oil, really rough running, black soot, poor mileage

Swapped it for the one on my Syncro and it ran like a charm.  New one on order.

Hope it helps. . .

Gary Thaxter
74 transporter panel
78 westy
85 kombi
86 syncroGL