Dave, I am taking your advice, I subscribed to the list a few days ago.
Tons of mail now.

Dave wrote:
> 
> Based on the fact that the harness failed twice I would think that something else is causing that.  Maybe all you need is a fuel filter, the injector harness could be getting clogged?  The O2 sensor should be replaced ever 80k miles, I doubt you drove your van 80k miles in a year, but I could be wrong.  If you want more help I would strongly recommend posting to the vanagon mailing list, send an email describing your problem to vanagon@lenti.med.umn.edu .  This is a great source of information,
> 
> Dave Filcoff
> Dfilcoff@stlnet.com
> http://home.stlnet.com/~dfilcoff
> 87 Vanagon GL Wolfsburg (121k)
> 
> * LiMBO (Late Model Bus Organization international)
> * VWoA VW Club
> * Gateway Volkswagen Club
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From:   Ed Gurney [SMTP:ergurney@snet.net]
> Sent:   Monday, June 16, 1997 8:24 AM
> To:     Dave
> Subject:        Re: 91 Vanagon Wierd Fuel System Prob?
> 
> Hi Dave, thanks for taking the time to reply.
> 
> This problem existed once before, and finally went away when my mechanic
> replaced the Fuel Injector Harness about a year ago. I recognized the
> symptoms right away when they returned a few weeks ago, having lived
> with it for a couple of years the first time around. So, I am suspicious
> of the Oxygen Sensor.
> 
> But I am extra suspicious of the part having possibly failed twice. Are
> these sensors well known for needing frequent replacement?
> 
> Dave wrote:
> >
> > You my want to check your exhaust system for leaks, look for cracks at the
> > weld joints.  If this is your problem when you disconnect your O2 sensor the
> > idle should return to near normal.  Another possibility is the idle stabilizer.
> >  The idle stabilizer is the cylindrical unit located in the top center of the
> > engine compartment, disconnect the power (on the left).  You also might want
> > to check the idle stabilizer control unit. It is located behind the right rear
> > taillight, it looks like a big relay.  I don't know how to check one, but the
> > fail sometimes.  The black smoke could be a couple things, check the cold
> > start system, there is a fifth fuel injector that may be damaged.  Another
> > possibility is that the rest of your injectors are not functioning properly.
> >
> > If you have any questions email me, dfilcoff@stlnet.com or the Vanagon mailing
> > list, vanagon@lenti.med.umn.edu .  If you want to subscribe to the list go to
> > http://www.vanagon.com and look in the "mailing list" section.
> >
> > Dave Filcoff
> > dfilcoff@stlnet.com
> > http://home.stlnet.com/~dfilcoff
> > 87 Vanagon GL Wolfsburg (121k)
> >
> > >Somebody here must've had this prob besides me...
> > >Engine will sometimes assign its own (higher) idle speed at random.
> > >Accompanied by rich running and black smoke. Worse in winter.
> > >
> > >Since prob is intermittant, my mechanic has almost never seen it.
> > >
> > >Anybody else ever had this?
> 
> --
> Ed Gurney
> 91 Vanagon Carat, 31K
> 
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-- 
Ed Gurney
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/ergurney/