my advise or suggestion for today is :
'Vanagons, unfortunately, can run quite well on a dead oxygen sensor."

it's too bad they run so well with a dead 02 -  I'm finding vanagons running
rich with dead 02 sensors fairly commonly. And it's not good for the engine,
the wallet, or the environment.  I'm fitting 3 wire heated oxygen sensors to
1.9 waterboxer engines sometimes too.  Must be a reason they upgraded to a
heated 02 sensor in 86.

brief story - seemed that my 2.1 in my 85 Adventurewagon was running all
right.  That's 2.1 running on Digijet, normally found on 1.9's.
Then I was trying various used air flow meters on a friend's van, and the
first used one was quite smooth, so I thought I'd try it on my van.
In that process I checked my 02 sensor - and it was pretty lazy.
  When I put the really smooth running AFM and a new 3 wire heated 02 sensor
on - she ran another 20 % better, at least. And she seemed to be runing
pretty nicely in the first place, but not compared to how she does now.  Now
she just rips - for a waterboxer that is.   I just calculated  near 19 mpg
( about  18.9 to be exact )   in town mostly, and part of the time I drove
the piss out of her too  - not too bad I don't think !

later !
Scott

----- Original Message -----
From: "Jim Lieb" <jlieberie@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, August 04, 2009 5:29 AM
Subject: Re: vanagon syndrome plus poor gass economy

> Ellen,
>
> If you can smell gas, check all your fuel lines asap. These vans are known
> for fuel line leakage and the resulting engine fire. Ask me, I know first
> hand. I'm sure some the the mechanically talented guys and gals on the
> list
> can give you good advice.
>
> Jim
>
> --
> Jim in NW Pa
> 2007 FJ Cruiser
> 1982 FJ40
> 1987 VW Westy Camper