Hi Dieter:

I've not kept a close tab on this thread, so what I say may have been said
already....

Has anybody suggested that you may have a leak in your exhaust - that can
cause the engine to run rich for sure.

Maybe the O2 sensor also. Or both. If you unplug the O2 sensor - and it
doesn't change - that circuit could be the culprit.

The problem could be in the sensor - or the wiring. Unplug it, and report
back to the list with your findings before you buy any parts.

Regards,

Marshall Ruskin
84 Westy
----- Original Message -----
From: "Dieter Knittel" <dieterknittel@AOL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, May 06, 2001 9:27 PM
Subject: Re: 1986GL update

> The smoke comming out is kinda black and when i really pound the gas pedal
> hard, i got black  tar like stuff on my driveway, it just spits it out
like
> hell. I drove it today up the hill and it seems like it will Die right
> then, but just before it would, it get another power shoot and goes up the
> hill.
> But as soon i take my foot of the gas pedal and let it just roll, for
> excample comming to a turn or stop sign, it goes out and i have to restart
> it....kick start it.
> When I disconnect the Idel stabelizer it runs better even up hill.....but
> still stalls even then. I even disconnectet the electrical Plug on the AFM
> meter and it was running, but was to afraid to take it on the road like
> that.
> I may have a vacum leak ??? how do i find that out ? Can i just take some
> dishsoap water mixter, spray it all over the engine and look for Bubbles
> or so ??
> any advice would be greatly apriciatet.
> Thanks \Dieter
> branson,missouir, 1986  " Witch " Vanagon GL 2.1