Date:         Mon, 26 Apr 1999 19:52:28 -0500
Reply-To:     "Melissa E. Mourkas" <legacy@JAVANET.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "Melissa E. Mourkas" <legacy@JAVANET.COM>
Subject:      Update: 81 Air-Cooled Vanagon Stalling at Warm Idle
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

Problem Solved: Simple Solution!

Recap: I was experiencing a stalling problem when the engine was warm and
dropped to idle from running speed.  It was also difficult to restart.
In addition, I was experiencing a lackluster performance overall, lots of
'hiccupping' (which I now know as 'missing') and generally slovenly
acceleration.  I did not see the connection at the time.

The problems appear to have been solved by replacing the points and
condenser in my ignition system and adjusting dwell and timing. Such a
wondrous, simple thing!

The mechanic made this simple adjustment (after, BTW, checking fuel
pressure, as suggested by several of you, and engine compression, which I
am happy to report is 125-130 in all four cylinders!) and voila!
Downright perky performance and no stalling!  Yay!

I took the van on the road to Cape Cod this weekend for an inaugural
camping event for the '99 season and engine performance was excellent.  I
even passed a few cars!  Whoo-ya!

Thanks to all who responded and happy trails to all!  See you on the road!


Melissa Mourkas
Haydenville, MA
81 Westy 'Hildie'