I'm glad your van is running well again Mordo.  I had the same thing happen
to my '84 years ago so I recognized the symptoms right away. Its pretty much
the only way to get the engine to run that rich.

Like they say, you have to get lucky once in a while!  ;)

Seeya, Jake

On Sat, Nov 13, 2010 at 9:38 AM, mordo <helmut.blong@gmail.com> wrote:

> First prize in long-distance engine diagnostics to Jake de Villiers for
> identifying the fule pressure regulator as the culprit in this misbehaving
> engine.
>
> A new part solved the problem and as an added benefit, the engine idle is
> now stable at 950 rpm. Previously, the idle speed wandered slightly, +/- 100
> rpm.
>
> Hooray!
>
>
>
> 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