I also periodically have a rough idle in my 85.  This often happens when
it's warmed up a bit (it's -20C or so today).  I've found that when I
restart the engine the idle improves.  Same fix as when i have the bucking
problem (which is very, very rare).  If I restart the car to fix the idle,
does that mean the ECU is at fault, same as with the bucking problem?

Also, why didn't the factory set the timing to 5 deg BTDC if there is an
advantage?  Is there a downside?

Thanks
Jeff
85 Westfalia GL

> three additional suggestions for rough idle:
>
> 1. re-set timing from 5 deg ATDC to 5 deg BTDC (i.e., advancing timing 10
> deg from stock). engine will certainly be more peppy on the street and
> highway.
>
> 2. in testing high tension ignition wires, an analog meter is very useful.
> using test leads with allegator clips to free hands, the wires can be
> flexed in various ways and the swing of the needle will indicated what
> might be an intermitent open.
>
> 3. always good practice to check for vacuum leaks, including vacuum
> advance/retard, or possibly a loose oil filler cap.
>
> dlk
>
>
>
> On Fri, 16 Jan 2004 18:12:23 -0800, Erin Randolph <lexluthier72@YAHOO.COM>
> wrote:
>
> >Hello list,
> >    I am new to the list, and hava owned a couple of
> >vanagons now, and still some things mystify me.  My
> >latest an 85 with 135,000 on a broken odometer, has
> >started to miss at idle, also has a 2 second run on
> >(diesels)  things i have replaced are:
> >    Tranny (not related)
> >    clutch (also not related)
> >    Plugs, cap, rotor, and got a set of good used
> >wires
> >    (seems to get good spark on all wires)
> >    new ignition coil
> >    checked timing and adjusted 5 ATDC
> >    new fuel pump
> >    new fuel filter
> >    unplugged the o2 sensor No Change
> >    new connectors to the fuel pump and the temp
> >sensor
> >    on the thermostat
> >    On my first tank of gas with Seafoam in it, to
> >
> >    hopefully clean out the injectors
> >  when i got it back from the mechanic, (who put in
> >the ignition coil a couple days ago) he said it was
> >running good and so he left it at that.  The only
> >difference would be a warm shop, but it doesnt seem to
> >change whether the van is hot or cold. Any help would
> >be great.
> >                                       -Erin Randolph
> >                             lexluthier72@yahoo.com
> >
> >
> >__________________________________
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>