I agree with you that any moisture issue would have evaporated by now BUT -
the pressure washer could have loosened any number of connectors, especially
spade terminals.

Have you gone around the engine bay pulling and re-plugging everything?

On Sun, Jan 24, 2010 at 7:24 AM, mordo <helmut.blong@gmail.com> wrote:

> I appreciate the input. I did test the current to the TPS yesterday but I
> did not measure resistance of the switch, only voltage to the switch. I'll
> check the switch today once I locate my feeler gauge.
>
> I think it is unlikely to be moisture that is the problem. The power
> washing
> factor may be a red herring in this instance. While I did begin to
> experience the problem after the power washing episode, that was over a
> month ago and the engine runs nicely once warm. In the instance of moisture
> in the dist., I think it would cause running problems in general not just
> at
> cold start.
>
> So, I'm left wondering if the ISV effects cold start. I think that it must
> as its function is to add air to the mix at the throttle, yes? So, if it
> isn't functioning and it is not adding air at cold start, then opening the
> throttle slightly at cold start is allowing the needed air into the
> throttle. Does that makes sense?
>
> I suspect that the ISCU is kaput. Is there no way to test the ISCU itself?
> I
> haven't any method described in any of the manuals. It's an expensive part
> to swap in on a hunch.
>
> cheers,
> mordo
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> From: W Monk <billmonk@gmail.com>
> Date: Sat, Jan 23, 2010 at 8:15 PM
> Subject: Re: Powerwashing FAIL
> To: mordo <helmut.blong@gmail.com>
>
>
> I think that your Throttle Position switch is wet. I had this happen to me.
> For some reason the way its upside down hold mositure and it just kills
> them. Verify its function with a meter and make sure its dry.
>
> Bill
>
> On Sat, Jan 23, 2010 at 3:23 PM, mordo <helmut.blong@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > Citizens,
> >
> > I've revisited this issue finally. I've done some testing and I'm still
> > baffled.
> >
> > Summary:
> >
> >
> >   1. Seemingly coincident with the aforementioned powerwashing escapade,
> >
> >   the engine will not cold start without applying some throttle and will
> > not
> >   hold idle without holding the throttle open slightly.
> >   2. Once warm(and not even completely warm), the engine runs well; it
> will
> >
> >   even hold a slightly wandering idle at stop (800-950 rpm).
> >   3. I've tested the ISV and it snaps open and closed smartly. However,
> it
> >
> >   does not hum at all when the engine is operating.
> >   4. I've tested current at the ISCU, it's there. So, ISCU is bad is the
> >   diagnosis?
> >   5. I've tested the TPS for adjustment and current. 5 volts at the
> >   connector, as specified
> >   6. I cannot find any other component amiss - vacuum, electrical or
> fuel.
> >   7. Even after sitting for weeks, the engine starts immediately if I
> give
> >
> >   it a little throttle.
> >
> > Questions:
> >
> >
> >   1. What is likely to be at fault given these circumstance? Fuel?
> >   Ignition?
> >   2. Does the ISCU figure into the cold start operation?
> >   3. If the engine will idle decently without an operational ISCU and
> ISV,
> >
> >   what will happen if I input a working ISCU?
> >
> >
> > Any ideas, anyone?
> >
> > cheers,
> >
> > mordo
> >
> > ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> > From: mordo <helmut.blong@gmail.com>
> > Date: Fri, Dec 4, 2009 at 5:53 PM
> > Subject: Powerwashing FAIL
> > To: vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com
> >
> >
> > Hey, gang. Happy Friday.
> >
> > Recently, I changed AT oil and filter and was eager to know if I had, at
> > the
> > same time, fixed weeping oil filth. So, I took La Vana Blanca for an
> > engine/trans/diff wash at the local self-serve carwash. I soaked it all
> up
> > with the engine cleaning selection and then blasted it all with the
> > "powerwash" device. I did all of this with the engine running under the
> > premise that if I got anything sufficiently wet enough to make it shut
> > down,
> > it would be good to know right away. Nice, clean engine and trans, no
> prob,
> > drove home.
> >
> > Long story short, I have since not been able to start the engine without
> > coaxing the throttle a bit. It will not hold idle when cold. After coming
> > up
> > to operating temp, it will idle but at about 850 rpm and a little bit
> > lumpy.
> > My question of the collective experience is: what is the most likely
> > component to cause this condition under the conditions described above?
> > BTW,
> > the engine was running very nicely prior to this folly.
> >
> > Cheers and thanks for any wisdom you can offer.
> >
> > --
> > mordo
> > 1990 Carat
> > 2.1l WBX, AT, 171k miles
> >
> >
> >
> > --
> > mordo
> > 1990 Carat
> >
>
>
>
>
> --
> mordo
> 1990 Carat
>

--
Jake

1984 Vanagon GL
1986 Westy Weekender "Dixie"

Crescent Beach, BC

www.thebassspa.com
www.crescentbeachguitar.com
http://subyjake.googlepages.com/mydixiedarlin%27