I posted a similar question about the empty cat a = month or two ago. The list provided several responses saying that they were = delivered this way new! Seems that VW equipped the Vanagons headed for = California with cats, and rather than design a new exhaust for non-california = vehicles, they just installed empty cats. This made sense to me cuz my cat = showed no evidence that it ever had any guts in it. It was an empty = can. The Vanagon was imported as a light truck not a passenger car. I think = this is how VW could get away with this. Your emissions problems can = probably be solved without the cat.

Gary

----- Original Message -----

From: Roger & = Marilyn Ehret

To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM

Sent: Monday, October 23, 2000 = 11:04 PM

Subject: Emissions Problems/90 = Vanagon Syncro

HELP!

I am having a problem with emissions = on my 90 Syncro Westy. It failed the emission test here in WA, but only = on the hydrocarbons at idle. It passed the hydrocarbons at 2500 = RPM. It also passed the CO and CO2 at idle and at cruise. Subsequently, = I found that the catalytic converter was empty! What's the best way to solve this as I can't renew my license = tabs until it passes the emissions test.

Is it possible to lean it down on = idle to pass for HC? Do I have to install a new cat.-- they are = expensive. Does the engine run better, ie, better mpg and power, w/o the cat?  Any experts on this subject out there?   If = I need to install a cat. to pass the test, anyone in my area (Seattle/Tacoma) = have a cheap used one?



Also, need because of rock = damage:

          &nbs= p;            = ;       Right Main Headlamp (lens unit only)

          &nbs= p;            = ;       Left High Beam Headlamp (lens unit only)

Thank you, Roger Ehret, Gig Harbor, = WA (253) 851-6100 e-mail: ehretrm@msn.com