Date:         Wed, 9 Jun 1999 15:22:52 -0600
Reply-To:     Larry Hamm <ldhamm@XMISSION.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Larry Hamm <ldhamm@XMISSION.COM>
Subject:      Re: emissions inspection failure(Utah)
Comments: To: john silverman <jsilver@AROS.NET>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

john silverman wrote:
>
> Well, Vic (90 syncro westy) has been at the local mechanic several times
> over tyhe last few weeks in a (so far unsuccessful) attempt to pass
> emissions.  He was able to get the CO down fine, but the Hydrocarbons don't
> seem to drop, especially at 2500 rpms (part of the test).
>
> Dropped the van off yesterday, and he spent time this AM on it.  He just
> called and said he  couldn't get it down, and he thinks I need a new AFM and
> O2 sensor.  He's also concerned that there may be a problem inthe digifant
> brain.
>
> Any other thoughts?
>
John,
Yeah, find a Vanagon mechanic. Or better yet, buy a Bentley and a nice
tool set from Sears, (Craftsman) and start doing your own wrenching. If
this mechanic's had it "several times" and can't find the problem, then
it's time to move on. This sounds like a "swap possible parts and charge
the owner until it's fixed or until the owner wises up" kind of
mechanic.

Most problems of this type are usually due to one faulty component,
occasionally two, but rarely three or more.

Is your fuel economy down? Do you have black fluffy soot in the
tailpipe? If so, my money's on the O2 sensor.

Larry
'82 diesel->Jetta Westy
Park City