For some reason, replacing the O2 sensor w/ a new one solved my
problem.  Disconnecting it did the same as yours, improved running
but did not entirely solve problem.  They're only a $35 +- item. so
in this case replacing that to see if  the problem was solved worked
out inexpensively as we were looking at a new AFM or ECU as the next
thing to try!

Anyone speak up here who can explain this w/ some real understanding
of the situation? Dennis, Mark, Jeff, Benny Boy???

YMMV,

Tom B.-not a natural mechanic

On Jan 24, 2007, at 10:01 PM, Christopher Gronski wrote:

> Disconnected the 02 sensor and the milage improved but the problem
> persists...
>
> Chris
>
> On 1/24/07, Christopher Gronski <gronski@gmail.com> wrote:
>> It is a 86 syncro with a stock 2.1L engine. I'm not 100% sure if it
>> does it cold (ie: right after starting) but it definately does it
>> hot.
>> Actually one of the weird things is that it doesn't seem to happen
>> 100% of the time. I'll be more vigilent checking when it happens.
>>
>> Chris
>>
>> On 1/24/07, Kenneth Lewis <kdlewis@northstate.net> wrote:
>> > Chris,
>> > Lots of things could cause this. I would check the idle position
>> sensor
>> > first. A quick check is to listen for a clicking noise as the
>> throttle is
>> > opened and closed. About %87 accurate.
>> >
>> > Have you been experimenting with the AFM spring tension? I was
>> and this same
>> > problem resulted. It was too loose. You might try tightening it
>> a few
>> > notches.
>> >
>> > What year bus is it? Does it happen cold and Hot?
>> > Ken Lewis
>> > http://neksiwel.20m.com/
>> >
>> > ----- Original Message -----
>> > From: "Christopher Gronski" <gronski@GMAIL.COM>
>> > To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
>> > Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2007 9:06 PM
>> > Subject: [VANAGON] Lags at low revs + BAD mileage
>> >
>> >
>> > > Volks,
>> > >
>> > > My van is exhibiting weird behaviour. When I pull away from a
>> stop and
>> > > put my foot on the gas the van lags and the revs will not pick
>> up.
>> > > Moreover my milage has dropped to about 200km / 120 miles per
>> tank
>> > > full.
>> > >
>> > > ONce the revs pick up the van behaves normally. The only way I
>> can
>> > > leave a stoplight is to put it in the granny gear, take my
>> foot off
>> > > the clutch (without using the gas). Once the revs pick up I
>> can use
>> > > the gas then switch to first and then I'm fine.
>> > >
>> > > Any thoughts?
>> > >
>> > > Chris
>> > >
>> > >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>>