Date: Sun, 15 Aug 1999 23:34:47 -0500
Reply-To: Darrell Boehler <midwesty@MIDWEST.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Darrell Boehler <midwesty@MIDWEST.NET>
Subject: Re: High Alt. Tune Up? And 1/2 trip report
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Hi Jeff,
Our vans use an afm (air flow meter), as the air gets thinner it will
not open the afm as wide so the mixture will be pretty close in high
altitude or at sea level. The ecu also use oxygen sensor output to further
calculate the air fuel mixture. It should be near perfect at altitude or sea
level. Since higher altitude will net less oxygen per revolution the engine
will develop less kw / horse power. Standard timing on our vans should be
correct for 87 octane gas as we in the usa measure gasoline octane. 89 is a
waste of $ imho unless you advance your timing.
Darrell
----- Original Message -----
From: Jeffrey R <Oxroad@AOL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, August 15, 1999 6:33 PM
Subject: High Alt. Tune Up? And 1/2 trip report
> Hello all--
>
> I just arrived in Boulder, CO, alt. 5,000 plus feet, from New York City,
alt about 0 feet. I had trouble starting my bus last night. It was a bit
flooded,( and I helped that happen.) I had used 87 octane gas as opposed to
the 89 I usually use, the engine was hot as in just drove 500 miles. Then
when it wouldn't start I "gave it some gas". Ooops. I let it sit, pulled the
plugs, and and hour later it started.
>
> My buddy here says the gas avaiable here is configured differently and I
needed a tank of the high alt. gasoline. ( I love him like a brother, but he
doesn't know Jack about cars.)So I filled up and it's not running exactly
perfect but seems OK. I'm a bit afraid of not being able to start again at
an inopertune moment.
>
> Do I need a high altitiude tune for the 10 days I will spend at this
altitude? And is it just the timing that changes or is that mysterious CO2
screw turned as well? Of course I didn't pack my timing light. And I've
never figured out what the Idle adjusting screw actually does.
>
> Any infor will be appreciated.
>
> The 2,000 mile trip went well. Very windy pushing me around in Kansas and
Missouri.Just turn the wheel a bit into the wind and hold on. The new KYB
shocks from the Bus Depotn definately made a difference for the better over
last year. But still the wind works that bus.
>
>
> Having been on the road for five days and just arriving here in Boulder
I'm still waiting for another Vanagon owner to come running over to my bus
and gush about the South African Grill I just installed. I got it from
listee James Cohen (jscohen@sprynet.com). The Hella lights set up he
supplies really lit up the night on dark roads. Very cool and very cool
looking. Even if I'm the only one who thinks so. I figured I'd get some
attention here in Boulder because the Vanagons abound.
>
> I also Stopped in an saw Glen the owner of Don's VW in Huntington, WV. I
got the name off Karl's recommended mechanics list.(That list is a life
saver BTW) Really nice guy. I was in a panic when I smelled and realized my
fuel lines were weaping pretty good. He sold me some fuel line to fix my
weaping lines over the tank. And advised I just keep it at 3/4 or below and
I'd be fine for a while. Had a nice chat--nice guy. (A listee maroon Westy
was there for repair.)
>
> Thanks to those who gave me front bearing advice before I hit the road.
>
> And wish you all well
>
> Jeff
> 83.5 Westy
> NYC
>
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