"Terry K." wrote:
>
> Hey all----
>
> Figure this one out---
>
> I have been milking a coolant hose leak for 6 mos., it was one of the
> two that go along the firewall, down to the metal tubes that go forward
> to the radiator---I just loosened the cap on the expansion tank, and the
> loss was minimal.
>
> The Van has always had a hesitation, when leaving from a stop, until I
> left the pressure cap loose--and it has ran just ducky-----
>
> I replaced the hoses yesterday, and now the darn hesitation is
> back-----this just can't be----no rhyme, nor reason.
>
> Mind you, every electrical control component  has been replaced within
> the last two years, and now that it doesn't have any post nasal drip--it
> runs like Ca-Ca--off the line--the juice pedal, has to be stuffed to the
> floor, before the van takes off with any sort of semblance of
> speed---and even then it's a bow-wow---
>
> The oxy sensor light was blinking prior to me repairing the hoses--now
> it doesn't.--this alone doesn't sound right----
>
> I give---any idea's?

I cannot tell from your message what year van you have, but I learned very early on
in my 83.5 westy that the coolant temperature/pressure sensor is directly linked to
the main computer - if it "thinks" things are too hot it will shut down the engine
(or at least reduce performance ) - so reducing the pressure by loosening the cap
would have that effect but I don't think it will be good in the long run. you may
have built up a large air bubble in the system, introduced by the leaks in the water lines.
(or you may have the classic head gasket/water jacket leak as well! :-(
Dave Richoux