I live at 8200ft and just got back from a trip to sea level. I didn't notice a huge difference
in power, though I did notice that it idled higher at sea level (but that might be due to the
hole that opened up in my exhaust manifold messing with the O2 sensor). I *have* noticed what
feels like a significant power loss when using larger diameter tires because of the different
drive ratio.

My '86 does the exact same thing when it starts cold: if I try to go anywhere too soon it dies
and takes a LOT of cranking to get it started again. 5 min. of warm up and it's fine. Haven't
had a chance to really investigate, as it's not a big deal. Maybe the circuit for the heater in
the O2 sensor? Or maybe Temp II sensor - that one's cheap and easy.

David

> Date:    Mon, 9 Jan 2012 07:59:24 -0700
> From:    Finn Runyon <finnrunyon@GMAIL.COM>
> Subject: Oil in Coolant
>
> Thanks in advance for your ongoing support of this issue.  Those who have
> been following this issue may remember that I moved from NJ to Taos, NM
> last summer.  I purchased a second Westfalia upon our arrival out here
> because our 87 has serious rust.  The 87 is an automatic, the 89 a 4 speed
> with positraction and Rhein 15" wheels.  Several questions, Now that there
> is no further migration of oil into the coolant since I changed the oil
> cooler, I am trying to get a feel for the performance of this engine.  At
> 7000 feet here in Taos, I believe that the hp loss is around 21%, vs my 87
> automatic at sea level. I imagine that the 89 also feels a bit slower due
> to the 15" wheels, but I can't directly compare the two as the 87's front
> end is apart. Is there anyone listening that is at a similar altitude.  I
> would have no problem getting to say 75 mph at sea level in the 87.  If
> feels as though 75 in the 89 is unreachable?  Where I am going with this is
> wondering if the overheat that the previous owner did damaged something
> else?
>
> My second issue is at start up.  The bus will start and idle pretty
> smoothly if I let warm up a bit.  If I start it and try to move without
> letting it warm up fully it stalls and is cranky to get going again without
> some throttle input.  Once it is warm, it runs pretty smoothly.  Is there
> something I should be looking into for start up.  I don't remember the
> choke situation, but it acts as if the fuel injection is not compensating
> for a cold start?
>
> Thanks,
> Finn

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  David Hardy
  Planetmind Internetworks
  Nedernet, Inc
  ph 303.258.1103
  http://www.planetmind.net
  http://www.nedernet.net
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