OK, best advice yet. I can't help but think I messed something up and the logical
choice is the distributor and wires. I can't see how the muffler,cat and O2 sensor
could so drastically effect starting and running, poor mpg and not passing
emissions maybe, soooooo

Could someone actually go out to their van and look at the cap and confirm the
location of wires and cylinders and their order. I know it should be 1-4-3-2, but
the only way mine will run at all is if it starts out 1-2, what's up with that?

Thanks

Dave

Pfunky@aol.com wrote:

> The O2 sensor, besides not coming into consideration by the computer until
> warm, relatively, only makes minor adjustments to the fuel mixture.  Running
> extremely rich is due to something else, eg temp sender, leaking injectors
> including cold start, misfire.  Retrace your steps.  If it was ok before you
> started, most times the problem lies in where you've been.  (Knocked off
> wires, hoses, etc)  Been there too many times.  It could be something new, but
> look at your work first, keep smiling, keep cool.  Remember, vanagons are
> generally too heavy to push to the edge of the nearest cliff!   p.