Crud in the gas tank, clogging the filter[s] and injectors/

David B will know.

Mike

> From: gregg and allison <ellins@SPEAKEASY.ORG>
> Reply-To: gregg and allison <ellins@SPEAKEASY.ORG>
> Date: Sat, 18 Aug 2001 19:04:22 -0700
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: 89 Vanagon engine misfires, coughs, backfires, won't idle
>
> I am a new proud owner of an 89 Westfalia. I do emphasize proud, but there
> is a large problem. I have spent roughly $2700 in repairs at the local VW
> dealership trying to get the engine to run the way it's supposed to. They
> first replaced the O2 sensor, one head gasket, cat converter, muffler.
> Allegedly, it ran great and passed the smog inspection. After driving around
> the block from the dealership, I noticed it was missing -- a lot. And, it
> was running very rough.
>
> Took it back to the shop and they spent two days figuring out that the
> injectors were fouled and needed to be replaced. Ok, another $800. I picked
> it up and it ran great.....for about 20 miles. Then, it started missing,
> coughing, cutting out and bogging down when trying to accelerate. When I was
> able to get the rpms up, it ran a lot smoother. But, when I turned off the
> engine and then back on.....lots of bogging down, missing, coughing, etc.
> Once I was able to get the rpms up, it then ran a lot better.
>
> Oh, I should also mention that it won't idle upon initial start up. It'll
> run roughly for a few seconds then die. After this is fixed, I will NOT be
> using the services of the overpriced VW dealership. One thing I was willing
> to pay for was their expertise. Since this has proven not to be the case I
> will look for a good independent Vanagon mechanic.
>
> Any ideas on the root source of the problem and a good Vanagon shop in the
> Hollywood, California area?
>
> Thanks in advance,
>
> -Gregg
>