Jesse,

Sorry for the bad info and any trouble that I might have caused(I'm just
another crack pot on the list), The voltage I really measured was  .55
volts (approx. half a volt dc), not 5.5(five and a half), I hope this
didn't make a bunch of people go out and measure the O2 sensor voltage.

I have used the same fluke digital meter for 8 years now and can't think
why I was seeing 5.5 volts.

all the other stuff was true, promise.
Tony Mysyk
Calgary, AB, Canada

----------
> From: Tony Mysyk <mysykt@cadvision.com>
> To: multiple recipients <vanagon@gerry.sdsc.edu>;
falsone_jesse@AMELNX.ADVMAR.COM
> Subject: Re: fuel pump?
> Date: Thursday, August 28, 1997 12:38 AM
>
> Jesse,
>
> On my 86 water-cooled I was having very similar problems, the o2 sensor
was
> the culprit, your symptoms would show up in the winter and when ever the
> van was driven in the rain, I finally got out the squirt bottle after
> various suggestions from fellow list members and doused all the wiring
> hoping to see the light show. It was relayed to me that if any ignition
> wires were bad then they would short to ground when wet, no luck on the
> simulation. Until I sprayed the top of my o2 sensor, then the van idled
> lousy, but upon start up would be semi normal until the o2 sensor dried
> out,  then normal. the sensor is an after market one that was recommended
> to me, doesn't have the heater wires, yours may be a single wire design
> compared to a three wire design. To check the effect of the o2 sensor, I
> connected my + lead on the volt meter to the sensor connection (when the
> van is turned off) still connected, the neg. lead goes to  a grounded
spot
> anywhere. the results are:
> van running at idle approx. 5.5 volts dc(varying up and down a bit, less
> than 1 volt), spray the top of the o2 sensor and got water inside, =drop
to
> less than one volt, van running rough. I found that if the voltage was
> below 4.2 vdc then the van would idle really rough, as the water dried
the
> voltage would rise, letting me know that it responded to temperature and
> water.
>
> I cannot vouch for the correct voltage measurement, cause I don't have
that
> factory $265.00(can) o2 sensor.
>
> this all might not be your problem, but my eyes were opened to the need
for
> a working o2 sensor.
>
> just my o2cents worth
>
> Tony Mysyk
> Calgary, AB, Can.
>
> ----------
> >> Cold starts are fine
> > idles erratically if left idling for a few minutes, eventually stalls
> > drives fine at highway speeds
> > stalls when slowing down to a stop
> > won't start right away after stall
> > will start when left to sit a few minutes
>