The only nagging thing about this diagnosis is that it seems to be
temperature-dependent. Would the only symptom of overpressure fuel during
warm-engine driving be bad fuel economy? Seems like it would cause other
problems.

On Sun, Nov 7, 2010 at 2:35 PM, Jake de Villiers <
crescentbeachguitar@gmail.com> wrote:

> You might also want to blow through the return line back to the tank and
> listen for bubbles.  If that was blocked you'd have similar symptoms and
> real trouble...
>
>
> On Sun, Nov 7, 2010 at 11:24 AM, mordo <helmut.blong@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Thanks, Jake. I have always been suspicious of the regulator. I have
>> actually just come inside from an effort to test fuel pressure. Harbor
>> Freight tools fail me again - the test gauge was simply slowing down the
>> fuel flow through it rather than measuring it.
>>
>> A failing FPR may also explain the small leak of fuel near the FPR I spied
>> yesterday. I tighten clamps at the T that seemed to stop it. But, it may
>> well have been that the overpressure condition was forcing it past otherwise
>> tight connections.
>>
>> cheers,
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On Sun, Nov 7, 2010 at 1:48 PM, Jake de Villiers <
>> crescentbeachguitar@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>>> 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
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> 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
>
>

--
mordo
1990 Carat