On 4/8/10, TJ Hemrick <x53gunner@gmail.com> wrote:

> I finally finished up my engine swap (took a long time as I only have one
> day off a week).  After a couple twists of the key, she came to life and oh,
> what a relief.  Unfortunately, that quickly turned to misery.  The EXACT
> same symptoms that plagued me on the previous motor were still present!  It
> has a constant surge in the idle.  I replaced the entire motor with ALL the
> components from the donor (ECU included-although I did try both).  I already
.....

> horrible task to take care of.  As if I wasn't already in a mood bad enough
> to sell my syncro and the wolfies out of sheer disgust with the idle problem
> and the oil pressure.  Seriously, I'm thinking to myself, "Why am I under
> this POS van on my only day off when I could be at the beach with my kids?"
>  I'm really doubting the whole Vanagon "experience".  It's hasn't been
> expensive, just grueling.

The last while I've been going through a lot of Vanagon work.
Transmissions, clutch housings etc. Some of it somewhat self inflicted
(basically testing a transmission) but all the work is needed AFAIK.

I too had similar thoughts, though I don't have kids.  :)

Just now, was under the van swapping out/in WBX transmission linkage
parts. Up front, while removing the box  for shifter, I had a moment
to stop and look at the nice radiator I installed, steering couplers,
etc.

Seeing that made me realize how far I've gotten. A better thought than
some I've had last few days.

Easy to say, but maybe taking a moment to admire a "success story"
somewhere on your van will cheer you on.

You'll solve the problem!  :)

Neil.

--
Neil Nicholson '81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco"

http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/

http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines