Date: Wed, 14 Nov 2001 07:59:45 -0800
Reply-To: Don & Christina Preston <betsy@UTAH-INTER.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Don & Christina Preston <betsy@UTAH-INTER.NET>
Subject: Re: They Only Write When They're In Trouble...
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Well, rarely serviceable is more like it. If I ever have a few 'extra'
hundred dollars, I'm going to replace my rusty old gas tank, but until then,
I guess I'll just have to replace my filter more often.
An old friend, fellow VW addict once told me he always changes the fuel
filter every 4 oil changes (about 12,000 - 15,000 mi). If your van's been
well taken care of, that's probably all ya need. The Bus Depot has these
filters for $9.95 (about half retail). Don't forget to ask for your Vanagon
list discount!
BTW, don't feel too bad about only emailing when you're in trouble. We all
do it. It's just that some of us are 'always' getting into trouble ;-)
Don Preston
Seattle, WA
'87 Wolfy GL
~Betsy the Mp3 Bus~
----- Original Message -----
From: "Tom & Phyllis" <erikoyne@earthlink.net>
To: "Don & Christina Preston" <betsy@UTAH-INTER.NET>
Sent: Wednesday, November 14, 2001 3:21 AM
Subject: Re: They Only Write When They're In Trouble...
> Thanks Don. I thought those were no-need-to-service items but I guess I
will
> start changing it. Regards
>
> T
>
> > From: Don & Christina Preston <betsy@UTAH-INTER.NET>
> > Reply-To: Don & Christina Preston <betsy@UTAH-INTER.NET>
> > Date: Tue, 13 Nov 2001 23:28:25 -0800
> > To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> > Subject: Re: They Only Write When They're In Trouble...
> >
> > Try replacing (or bypassing in a pinch) the fuel filter. The PO of my
van
> > used a rag as a gas cap so all kinds of stuff clog up my filter and I
> > usually have to replace it every 3000 miles or so.
> >
> > Hope this helps!
> >
> > Don Preston
> > Seattle, WA
> > '87 Wolfy GL
> > ~Betsy the Mp3 Bus~
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "Tom & Phyllis" <erikoyne@EARTHLINK.NET>
> > To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> > Sent: Tuesday, November 13, 2001 10:23 PM
> > Subject: They Only Write When They're In Trouble...
> >
> >
> >> Hello List,
> >>
> >> I'm afraid that's me in the subject line. I plead guilty (while trying
to
> >> think of some typographic icon to show remorse). @~( doesn't quite
> > capture
> >> it.
> >>
> >> Tonight my Westy stalled and won't stay started. Happily - this did not
> >> occur moments before while careering down Southwest Trafficway amid
many
> >> cars and few exits; Happily I was able to get to within a block from
home.
> >> Happily - my four year old son showed stunning patience (and didn't
fall
> >> into the engine compartment) while I reviewed the situation;
> >>
> >> Here's the scenario:
> >>
> >> Me: new Westy owner (10 months). Knowledge of auto mechanics = .0001 -
> > but
> >> I'm putting myself through night school at Vanagon List University.
> >>
> >> Vehicle: 82 Westy, 169400 miles. Multiple owners/modifications before
me.
> >> The major engine modification was removal of the fuel injection gear
and
> >> replacement with a Weber (I believe) single carb & 009 mechanical
advance
> >> distributor. Last major overhaul was nine months ago - engine rebuilt
from
> >> case up; carb rehabbed; fuel lines replaced but fuel filter and fuel
pump
> >> untouched and might be original issue.
> >>
> >> What Happened: Cruised at 50 mph, slowed to stop, accelerated to 15
mph,
> >> accelerator failed to produce power. Engine stalled and I re-started,
> >> accelerated to 5 mph and stalled; restarted and drove one block before
> >> stalling for good.
> >>
> >> Symptoms: No past problems of this variety. No unusual
> >> leaks/smoke/smells/sounds associated with the breakdown. With ignition
key
> >> at half-cock the usual ticking (fuel pump?). Starter cranks as usual,
> > engine
> >> turns over and runs 1-2 seconds before dying.
> >>
> >> What I checked/did : archives - hard to find the right keywords
(stalling
> >> produces nearly 500 entries); attempted starts 10 times with varying
> > waits;
> >> throttle cable - ok, Low on gas but not to empty but added 1/4 gal.
gas.
> >> No apparent loose wiring/hoses. Visually checked fuel line from tank to
> >> engine compartment wall - nothing unusual.
> >>
> >> My guess: Stalling caused by fuel starvation at - filter? pump?
carb?
> >>
> >> List Experts - sorry about the length of this - but I am sincerely
> >> appreciative of any diagnoses or remedies you may wish to share.
> >>
> >> Many thanks in advance,
> >>
> >> Tom in KCMO
> >> 82 Westy (stalled just 600 miles from another milestone)
> >>
>
>
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