Is the ECU something that either works or doesn't? Could the problem be
in my replacement ECU?

Raymond

Raymond Paquette wrote:
> Hi
>
> 1987 Syncro 2.1 sat for 2 years. Ran perfectly (smooth powerful etc)
> until one day it didn't run at all.
>
> Replaced my ECU (with a used one) because the van wouldn't start and
> everything else checked out (to the best of my limited knowledge).
>
> Fired up instantly with the replacement ECU. But now it idles at 2200.
> At a stoplight it will stay at 2200 and smooth for a bit, then stumble
> its way down to 1000 and sputtering, then clear up and run right, but
> at 2200.
>
> Some lurching on acceleration, especially at low rpm. When it lurches,
> the tach drops, and comes back up as the engine comes out of its stumble.
>
> FWIW, the old ECU was the D series, the replacement is not. I did get
> the VW "vanagon syndrome fix" pigtail along with my used ECU. Doesn't
> make any difference whether it's inline or not.
>
> Also FWIW, I have coolant leaks as well, so the system has been
> emptied and refilled since it last ran well. I have heat, and it runs
> at the right temp, so I assume that I'm bled well enough. But I offer
> this in case it is related.
>
> Any suggestions about where to start?
>
> I bow to the wisdom of the collective.
>
> Humbly
> Raymond
>