Whatever else you do, after you get it fixed, change the oil. With so much
gas that it came out the exhaust, you probably got a fair amount past your
rings and into the crankcase.
Good luck,
Don
----- Original Message -----
From: "James V" <tornadored@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, October 02, 2009 3:41 PM
Subject: HELP in Riverton, WY - Engine Flooding

> Hello List,
>
> I am in Riverton, Wyoming, trying to get back to So Cal.  I just spent
> a week in Yellowstone, and my 88 westy had some intermittent problems
> starting, getting worse in the last couple days. (turning, just takes
> several tries to start).
>
> If the car had been running a while, and I turned it off, it would
> start up fine again.  However, it seems that if the car sat for for
> about 45 min to 3 hrs, it would be more likely to have trouble
> starting. But, from dead-cold in the morning, it seems to start ok.
>
> This morning, I started it up okay, then let it idle.  It suddenly
> shut off after about 5-7 min, and I have been unable to restart since.
> It seems it's flooded and upon inspection there is fuel leaking from
> the exhaust.  Really flooded.
>
> None of the shops in town can get to my van until Monday... something
> about hunting season.  Although, a mechanic I talked to *might* be
> able to get to it if he has time.  In the meantime, he said to open up
> the intake to let it air out. His first guesses would be coolant temp
> sensor, AFM, and cold start valve.  I replaced temp sensor a week ago.
> I have a spare AFM that I will put in.  Not sure what to do about
> testing/replacing the cold start valve.  He said to try starting it
> with the pedal floored in "flood mode."
>
> Anyway, after swapping the AFM, I'm gonna give it another go, and
> hopefully the mechanic will become available if needed.   But in the
> meantime, if anyone can offer ANY advice/assistance I'd really
> appreciate it.
>
> Please pmail.  If you're kind enough to leave a phone number, even
> better.  Gotta run... will check back in if I can.
>
> Thanks,
>
> James
>
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