Date: Tue, 8 Jun 1999 16:02:30 -0500
Reply-To: Darrell Boehler <midwesty@MIDWEST.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Darrell Boehler <midwesty@MIDWEST.NET>
Subject: Re: More stalling troubles (long)
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Hi Jeff,
You seem to be running rich and have been for some time. Our vanagons
in proper condition and tuning will get about 20 mpg at 60 mph, or about 15
at 75 ymmv. If you are not getting about that you have a problem. imho you
really need to diagnose more and fix less, buy more tools and fewer parts.
Actually it may almost balance out in the end but you end up with more toys
for the same money.
Check fuel pressure, check for leaky injectors, coolant temperature
sensor (should read about 0.1 volt with warm engine) or check per bentley.
Check the ground cable from body near the coil to the left head, check
plugs, plug wires, rotor, distributor cap, timing, compression. The engine
and engine ignition system need to be proper before you ease into the fuel
injection system.
Then if your O2 sensor is carboned up clean it up and check the voltage
on the black wire to frame with a lcd meter. It should be bouncing above and
below 0.5 volts several times and minute. If it is above 0.5 you be rich if
below you are lean. Good luck with your quest and let us know what you find.
Darrell
----- Original Message -----
From: <jeff_gilbert@PEOPLESOFT.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, June 08, 1999 12:48 PM
Subject: More stalling troubles (long)
> Hi Volks,
>
> I have an 87 Syncro Westie (digifant) that has been giving me hell lately
> with stalling/power issues. I've read through the archives about the
> dreaded 'Vanagon Syndrom' and am aware of the auxilliary wiring harness
> (PN 025906302) for the AFM that is supposed to remedy similar situations.
> I ordered the harness about 10 days ago from the dealer (it took a while
to
> get here cause of some other special order stuff) and it turns out they
> gave me the wrong part.
>
> So while I wait for the correct part, I wanted to post out my symptoms to
> you all and see if I could get some further feedback as to what other
> conditions might be causing my poor performance. Heres the history:
>
> 1. About a year ago I was having stalling problems that ended up in a
> blown catalytic converter. Upon installation of a new Cat, the problems
> went away entirely for over a year.
>
> 2. Last November I had stalling problems at altitude that seemed to clear
> up by disconnecting/reconnecting the O2 sensor. On the way out of the
> mountains, I would stall again (completely) and reconnect the 02. The van
> would go for a ways, then stall, and I would redisconnect the 02 and be on
> my way. Once I got down to sea level all was fine.
>
> 3. I had a complete tune up with all new parts, filters etc in December.
> Mechanic said O2 sensor was 'lazy' and he 'cleaned' it and said that it
> was ok now. Also installed brand new AFM.
>
> 4. Mechanic Installed new engine in March.
>
> 5. Noticed power began to lag a bit on hills..this got worse and I
started
> to experience the jerking etc that happened two years ago (see #1 above).
> Soon it became difficult to keep highway speeds (55 top) and any grades
> were a disaster.
>
> 6. Catalytic blew again. I installed a new Cat and a new O2 sensor...so
> now I have a new AFM, new Cat, new O2, new ENGINE, and recently new
tune-up
> parts. I still dont have the wiring harness as stated above.
>
> 7. Van starts fine, drives ok till warmed up...but will have one RPM
surge
> just after starting. Once hot, it craps out. If I let it stall, it
starts
> right back up.
>
> 8. Gas mileage is horrendous, about 6-8 miles per gallon.
>
> Any suggestions as to what might be causing this besides the wiring
harness
> for the AFM? Dont want to believe I need a new ECU, as new engine in
march
> and new tranny in December coupled with wedding in June are killing me
> financialy. Could it be Hal unit? distributor?
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> Jeff
>
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