I'm leaving tomorrow on a long trip as well, out to the East coast and back
by way of almost everywhere there are no Van mechanics.  I have the
momentary hesitation, dies sometimes at idle syndrome.  Replaced the engine
as a part of the effort to cure it.  No go.

Maybe we'll meet on the road and we can exchange vans:  I believe they made
a movie on this theme, something about 'Throw Momma From the Train'?

Good luck to both of us.

Mike

> From: Bob Whitby <rpwhitby@MINDSPRING.COM>
> Reply-To: Bob Whitby <rpwhitby@MINDSPRING.COM>
> Date: Sat, 11 May 2002 17:01:13 -0700
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: rotten idle surge -- I give up
>
> Supposed to leave tomorrow on the long trip and I've been battling that
> stinking idle flutter. I lost. Here's what I tried:
> checked and adjusted, and checked again, throttle switch
> replaced 02 sensor
> replaced temp 2 sensor
> replaced air bypass valve w/used unit. Tried to adjust used unit
> checked timing
> checked AFM per Bentley
> cleaned ground to left side of engine
> replaced plugs, points, wires, rotor, cap
> adjusted idle speed and idle mixture
> pulled idle sub computer and cleaned contacts
>
> It still surges enough to get the bus rocking at stoplights, and still runs
> smooth(er) when I disconnected the 02 sensor. Guess I'll just get used to
> throwing it in neutral at the lights for the next 8,000 miles or so. Or maybe
> I'll take it in and admit defeat.
>
> Ideas are still welcome
> Bob W.
> '87 Westy -- "Bucky"
>