Date:         Mon, 5 Jul 1999 15:52:44 -0400
Reply-To:     EMZ <vw4x4@FYI.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         EMZ <vw4x4@FYI.NET>
Subject:      Re: 02 sensor life
Comments: To: j fritz <jfritz@DECORAH.K12.IA.US>
In-Reply-To:  <1280943302-21489810@decorah.k12.ia.us>
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII

    O2 sensor must be replace at 60,000 miles. It dies only a few
miles later if you don't replace it, and usually kills the CAT with it.

            Eric                   86-VW4x4
            vw4x4@fyi.net          72-240z
            Pittsburgh, PA USA     1936-Chrysler


On Mon, 5 Jul 1999, j fritz wrote:

> Volks,
>
> Gearing up for a 5000 mile trip but would like to raise the gas mileage (16.5 mpg @65 mph) and eliminate the bogging down that occurs when pulling away from stop lights.  (Basically the pedal feels "dead" until you get up to about 2000 rpm and then there is a surge.  It is especially bad with the AC on.  People behind me swear and honk the horn....I don't really care, but it doesn't allow for the occassional "need to get up to speed quickly" type of getaway.)  The engine idles beautifully and starts great.  I've occassionally noticed a slight surge at highway speeds but I really think it occurs when the AC pump is kicking on and off.
>
> Since I bought my 89 Westy last fall I've put in Bosch plat plugs, put on new Michelins MXTs, KYBs, a sway bar, changed fuel lines, oil/air/gas filters, new Dansk muffler, switched all oil to synthetic and flushed/changed to non-phosphate coolant.  My budget (and my wife's patience) is running out :-)
>
> Many members have offered suggestions but before I spend the bucks I have a couple of questions:  My Westy has 57,000 miles on it.  I believe the O2 sensor light is due to come on at 60,000 and I know how to shut it off BUT does it also mean the sensor is probably shot too?  Since my maintenance budget is running low I need to prioritize my remaining things to do before the trip.
> I'd appreciate your input on what I should focus on to try to eliminate the bogging and the poor gas mileage.  Should it be #1 replace O2 sensor, #2 replace cap and rotor (I think the PO replaced the cap at some prior time as it looks newer/cleaner and the metal ring that goes around it to eliminate noise in the radio is now sitting in one of the rear cabinets), #3 replace coil or plug wires, #4?????          I can afford to do some of this but unless the list feels strongly, I'd rather not do it all at this time.
> Your comments are greatly appreciated!!!!!!!
>
> Jim in Iowa
> 91 Passat Wagon GL
> 89 Westy
> 66 Beetle
>