Date:         Sat, 6 Nov 1999 19:46:35 EST
Reply-To:     Connal Hughes <cmmhughes@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Connal Hughes <cmmhughes@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      '85 Westphalia: Engine is Frequently Dying
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed

I've got an '85 Vanagon which has recently been diagnosed by the local VW
dealer as having a huge list of problems (blown shocks, loose CV joints,
torn boots, bad distributer, etc...).  In addition, the push rods are
apparently leaking oil.  At the time I was told it was losing "a lot of
oil."  Either they were unfamiliar with Vans or the problem has mysteriously
vanished (not likely) as it hasn't been going though oil any more quickly
than it ever has.  In anycase, I only mention that to set the scene.

The real problem is that recently I have had problems with the car just
cutting out while on the road.  The speed doesn't seem to matter.  It has
happened at 65 and it has happened at 30.  In the past I have had fuel pump
problems, but in that case the car seemed to hobble along for a while and
would be no better on restart.  Here, all of a sudden it's like the car just
cuts off.  It doesn't respond to throttle at all, however on restart the car
fires right up and runs fine, even without a waiting period (I've restarted
the car while still rolling on the highway a couple of times).

I can't tell if it's electrical or fuel related or both, the only odd things
is that often, right before it cuts off, the "Fasten Safety Belts" light
will light up on the dash.  Then within a few seconds the car cuts out.
Anyone have any experience or are there any possible culprets?

Also, while familiar with the car, I've never tried to replace a fuel pump
on my own, anyone know how difficult it is to get to/replace?

Connal Hughes
cmmhughes@hotmail.com
Manhattan, NY

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