Date:         Tue, 9 Mar 1999 20:58:08 -0600
Reply-To:     "Shaners [KS Div]" <shaner@FAMENT.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "Shaners [KS Div]" <shaner@FAMENT.COM>
Subject:      Re: FS: New AFM for '86-91
Comments: To: EMZ <vw4x4@fyi.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

EMZ wrote:

> ECU's are almost never bad in Vanagons. It's the first thing
> to be blamed because you can not fix it. SO what was the
> problem? Are you going to hold us in suspense?

Well ok I guess I'll fess up. I do want to preclude my statements by saying
these exact same symptoms were caused by a bad AFM in my Volvo, so that is why
I thought it to be the same.

THE REAL CAUSE:

The 3" long 1/2" dia.  coolant hose that runs from the water pump to a metal
line burst. This sent cooland all over and soaked my distributor cap. Liquid
penetrated the cap and caused the "breakdown".
All the symptoms were there, I was just unable to look past what I "knew" it
was for the obvious solution.

I replaced the cap ($15) and the hose (.50) and viola! She runs again!

I am considering keeping the AFM due to EMZs advice and Ken offering new ones
cheaper. However I may return it in exchange for a head gasket kit, as I
noticed I have a slight leak.

On another note we have been driving without PS for about a month without any
problems. It kinda makes the Vanangon feel a little sporty. TTFN.....
--
Chip and Stephanie
http://www.fament.com/chip

"Outside of a dog, a book is your best friend.
Inside of a dog it is too dark to read."  -Groucho Marx