I second this, having similar problems with my 86GL, unplug the O2 lead and
see if it improves.
Randy Newell
rnewell@epower.net

----------
> From: Tom Brunson <TABRUN@msn.com>
> To: Multiple recipients of list <vanagon@lenti.med.umn.edu>
> Subject: RE: '86 still plagued! (was rich running)
> Date: Friday, July 04, 1997 9:58 AM
> 
> With the black plugs and smoking.... your checks don't seem to list the
O2 
> sensor - had same symptoms when my first O2 sensor went bad - when I
unplugged 
> the sensor (single wire) it ran much better until I could replace it.
Also 
> check the throttle switch that tells the ECU to idle or not.
> 
> 
> Tom
> 
> Hi Volks,
> 
> Yep, the dreaded rich running '86 is still pissed :-(  Still starting
hard,
> won't take gas for about 15-20 secs after it starts, smokes a bit, gets
bad
> mileage, poor power, plugs black.
> 
> I've followed everybody's suggestions, scoured the archives and tracked
Dan
> Houg's footsteps, all to no avail. Here's everything I've done:
> 
> 1) checked and cleaned all the grounds
> 2) checked the temp sensor (swapped with new to make sure)
> 3) checked and cleaned the AFM (swapped with new to make sure)
> 4) checked the ECU (swapped with new to make sure)
> 5) checked all FI wiring
> 6) checked for vacuum leaks
> 7) checked fuel pressure
> 
> I'll be checking engine compression next to make sure. I may have forgot
to
> list something ot another.
> 
> Does anyone have any other suggestions at all??
> 
> I am just about to give up on this van. And to think I sold my trusty
83.5
> to "upgrade" to this!!!!
> 
> I hate to say this on the H2O list, but it makes me appreciate my '71
> rustfalia. Even with a leaky and dirty carb and many years of neglect
> continues to run...
> 
> Sorry for whining :-(
> 
> If VW still offered a new van, I'd be at the bank right now!
> 
>
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> ---------------------
> tony
> tri-state transporters
> '60 westy
> '71 rustfalia
> '86 weekender (the wife's :-) - who's not very happy right now!!
> 
> "rusty or not the stars are just as bright and the campfire just as warm
> and the bed just as cozy"  -len alcamo
> 
> http://moorelab.com/tristatetransporters.html
> http://moorelab.com
> http://bluejordan.com
>
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> 
>