It sounds as though your fuel pressure regulator has failed.

When the internal diaphragm goes, the injectors see full pump pressure (~ 70
PSI) instead of the ~35 PSI they need.  You can hook up a gauge at the test
port provided or just go ahead and replace it - they aren't expensive.

Good luck!

On Sun, Nov 7, 2010 at 10:00 AM, mordo <helmut.blong@gmail.com> wrote:

> Greetings, Volks.
>
> I find myself relying on La Vana Blanca as my daily driver for a bit while
> the company car is in shop awaiting repairs. The cooler weather seems to
> have brought on a new fuel system problem in the van. There is so much
> written about idle, fuel mix, temp II sensor, etc. that I find it difficult
> to parse pertinent info. Will appreciate any clarity that can be offered.
>
> The engine starts readily from stone cold (in the mid 30sF here at night)
> but the idle is very rough. Almost feels like only 3 cylinders are firing.
> After 3 minutes of trying to nurse this idle smooth, the van will drive but
> only with severely diminished power and lots of smoke from a way too rich
> mixture.
>
> If during this initial cold start, I disconnect temp II sensor the idle
> smooths at about 1000-1200 rpm. However, I cannot accelerate and drive with
> temp II disconnected - the engine bogs down and sputters badly.
>
> After about five minutes of nursing the throttle and chugging along, the
> engine will suddenly smooth out and drive reasonably well though somewhat
> under-powered. But it is certainly firing on all cylinders. Not nearly the
> pick-up and power as normal. It will idle at stop and generally behaves
> alright.
>
> Fuel economy is miserable - about 75 miles to the half tank at the moment.
> Fuel smell is strong; the engine is surely running rich.
>
> Temp II sensor is about 6 months old. Plugs are about 3 months old. Fuel
> pump and filter, likewise 3 months old.
>
> This seems like a faulty temp II sensor based on a lot of what I read but
> also suspect the TPS.
>
> Cheers,
>
> --
> mordo
> 1990 Carat
>

--
Jake

1984 Vanagon GL 1.9 WBX 'The Grey Van'
1986 Westy Weekender/2.5 SOHC Suby 'Dixie'

Crescent Beach, BC

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