Denys,

The responses you've gotten are right - this is typical of Air Flow Meter
problems which VW tried to fix with the harness cable. While the cable help
some on both my cars, it didn't eliminate the problem. I finally cured it by
pulling glued-on cover off the AFM and cleaning the contacts with a contact
cleaner/lubricant. Since then I've had no hint of the problem for 3 years -
with or without the cable. I still think the lubricant they used is too
moisture-retentive & gums up in higher humidity. Air coming in at high
velocity cools the whole intake system and moisture condenses on all parts
(especially OUT of the airstream) and messes up the lube on the contacts.

Tom
Austin

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From:   Vanagon mailing list on behalf of Denys Mueller
Sent:   Tuesday, October 14, 1997 8:30 PM
To:     Vanagon@GERRY.SDSC.EDU
Subject:        Troubleshooting Question

Hi all,

Now that I've completely refurbished my '86 Westy and purchased some
spare parts I unsure how to troubleshoot any problem that may arise.
Specifically, I have an intermittent (the worst kind) miss arise twice
in the past month. Therefore, I'd like to gather various responses from
the listees to the following questions:

1. How would you distinguish an ignition problem from a fuel problem?
2. If it's an ignition problem how would you decide it was the ECU
versus another component?

In case you have some thoughts on the intermittent miss, here's what the
problem is, what been done and spare parts on hand.

Problem
Intermittent miss usually after 20+ miles of driving at 60 mph or above,
usually starts out with a single miss then increasing miles later. Has
never standed me or caused car to stop altogether. However, it doesn't
make me any more confident it won't.

Items Replaced to date - NOT to fix the miss, but because it needed
replacing:
1. Installed GEX rebuilt 2L
2. Replaced fuel tank & filter
3. Replaced starter, alternator, ignition wires, distributor cap, rotor,
plugs
4. OX2 sensor is disconnected and timimg advanced to 8-10 degrees

Spare Parts on hand
1. Fuel pump
2. Air Flow Meter
3. Ignition parts - plugs, cap & rotor
4. Ignition Coil

Any response would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Denys
'86 Westy
PO '80 & '89 Westys'