Date:         Mon, 12 Apr 1999 19:39:02 EDT
Reply-To:     Marcus Schaper <v-mschaper@BSS2.UMD.EDU>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Marcus Schaper <v-mschaper@BSS2.UMD.EDU>
Organization: University of Maryland,College Park
Subject:      84 Vanagon 1.9 pulsing idle
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII

Hi everybody,
I just subscribed to this list. This Vanagon is my first non-air
cooled and fuel injected VW, so I ran into a problem I can't figure
out myself:
When the engine is warm, the idle starts pulsing. As soon as I put my
foot on the gas pedal the problem is gone. Cold idle fine, maybe a
bit high but no pulsing. Also, it runs fairly rich, only 14 -19 mpg
and it definitely smells rich. And judging from the buses I had
before it lacks power and torque.
Problems I know of:
- oil leak from pushrodtubes on left side
- small coolant leak from head gasket on same side
What I have done so far:
- Replaced plugs, wires, cap, rotor, air filter.
- Sealed leak in exhaust pipe,
- pulled wires off a little white thingy on the front engine wall
that has a small hose coming from Y-piece feeding into it
- pulled wires of a valve below the air flow box with two bigger
hoses running into it
Nothing has changed. I was told to disconnect the idle stabilizer
valve. I believe that is the valve below the airflow box I
disconnected - correct?
What is the possible cause - O2 sensor, ECU, airflow box?
Where should I start?
BTW, does anyone in the DC area have a decent rear (chrome) bumper
for my 84?

Cheers,
Marcus

'74 Westfalia deluxe with 914 2.0
'79 Westfalia deluxe
'84 Vanagon GL