Date:         Sat, 23 Dec 2023 11:17:45 -0500
Reply-To:     Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Subject:      Re: Mystery starting issue 85 auto
Comments: To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <SJ2P222MB09729DC5396FF5DBEBE1F650A094A@SJ2P222MB0972.NAMP222.PROD.OUTLOOK.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8

Hi Dennis,

        This is great info.  Nice to know you have seen this before. 

Can you give me a little more direction on how to use the scan gauge to see if the cam sensor and crank sensor are properly sinked? 
I can have a friend look at the voltage, what would too low be? 

I so appreciate having some direction on where to start looking to solve the issue.

Eric Caron 
85 Auto 2.3 




> On Dec 22, 2023, at 2:11 PM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM> wrote:
> 
> Eric,
> I didn't see the initial email or realize it is your van with the starting issue. 
> For the GoWesty EFI set up intermittent no starts can be caused by the cam position sensor and crank position sensor not being synced. 
> Have the cam position sensor setting checked and  find it helps to have it retarded a bit (more clockwise than indicated). 
> Also need to confirm battery voltage being maintained while cranking. As you have an oversized starter it takes more current and will spin the engine even with a low battery but of you don’t have sufficient voltage while cranking the ECU may not be able to get it going. I see this even on the stock set ups with oversized starters with bad batteries, cables.
> 
> With the scan gauge you should be able to confirm all the sensors and also battery voltage to the ECU while cranking. 
> 
> Dennis
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com <mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>> On Behalf Of Eric Caron
> Sent: Thursday, December 21, 2023 9:11 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM <mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Subject: Re: Mystery starting issue 85 auto
> 
> HI John,
> 
> Thanks for the reply.
> 
> Was this a 1.9 ECU? 
> 
> Or a different system?
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Eric Caron 
> 
> 
>> On Dec 21, 2023, at 8:50 PM, John Lauterbach <john@jhl.mgacoxmail.com> wrote:
>> 
>> Sometime in the late 1990's I purchased an '84 Vanagon.  I had the same problem until a mechanic at a local TBA store found the problem.  The contacts between the FI cable and the FI computer had gotten dirty.  He cleaned them up, and problem went away.  After that, I always cleaned them a few times a year.  Problem never happened again.
>> 
>> John
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET <mailto:ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET> <mailto:Eric%20Caron%20%3cericcaron96@COMCAST.NET%3e>>
>> Reply-To: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET <mailto:ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET> <mailto:Eric%20Caron%20%3cericcaron96@COMCAST.NET%3e>>
>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM <mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM> <mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
>> Subject: Mystery starting issue 85 auto
>> Date: 12/21/2023 08:16:18 PM
>> 
>> Hi listers,
>> 
>>        I’m hoping folks can help.
>> 
>> Today, roads clear of salt I took the bus for a run to Keen NH about 20 miles away.
>> 
>> After a visit to Harbor freight, got to love this new adjustable socket wrench, we tried to start the van to leave.
>> 
>> The van seemed to start, and then immediately died. 
>> 
>> This kept happening. 
>> 
>>        I called my local mechanic that had recently done some work.  He thought vacuum issue and I checked hoses.
>> 
>> His wife then offered to drive over and check out the issue and do a video call if needed.
>> 
>> 
>> So, we waited for about 15 minutes in 35 degrees weather.
>> 
>> We, let the van cool to see if that might make a difference. 
>> 
>>        When My mechanic’s better half arrived she checked hoses, and connections, all looked good.  She checked both on and under the van. 
>> 
>> We then tried to start the van… 
>> 
>> And, it started. 
>> 
>> Nothing seemed wrong. 
>> 
>> But, we didn’t turn it off incase it didn’t start.
>> 
>> We drove to mechanic, and things seemed to look good over all. 
>> 
>> We noted one issue I’ll mention separately. 
>> 
>>        We made a plan, I would take it home, and if it doesn’t start when hot I would bring it back in the Spring to have this addressed. 
>> 
>> So, we drove it home.  And, I tried to start the van once it was safe in the garage.
>> 
>> And…
>> 
>> No start.  It starts, but rather then idling it dies.  And, I mean dies like the key is turned off.
>> 
>> When van is completely cooled down it might take two tries, but the van starts, idles and runs fine.
>> 
>> This is a GW 2.3 with GW engine management. 
>> 
>> I’d love to figure this out before spring.
>> 
>> So, any suggestions from folks as to what to look for or try?
>> 
>> Eric Caron 
>> 85 Auto GW 2.3