Dear List,

I finally got around to installing a new 3-wire O2 sensor (generic from Ron @ Bus Depot) on my 87 Westy Syncro. Splicing was done properly (soldered w/ heat shrink). Car started normally. Once warmed up however, engine lost all power, couldn't even keep an idle. Short story: I had to disconnect my new O2 sensor to get back home.

So, this makes me think that the old one was, in fact, bad and that the PO's mechanic simply adjusted the car to run "ok" with a bad O2 sensor. Am I right? (note: gas mileage wasn't all that great before -- 15mpg -- and horsepower was adequate but not as good as another Vanagon owner's car which I have driven).

Or is it possible that the new O2 sensor could be bad?

I tried getting a reading from my DMM but I couldn't get a steady reading at idle. Another thing: engine now (with no O2 sensor) idles steady - no 1-second fluctuation between 900 and 950rpm. Also, if I pull off the vacuum hose to the fuel pressure regulator, nothing happens, even leaving the hose sucking air into the engine. Does that mean my engine is now running ruch?

I noticed quite a few threads on this subject in the archives, but I could not find a lot of actual answers/solutions. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

<bold>Michael J. Sullivan

</bold><italic>Director of Catalog Design

Open Market, Inc.

</italic>

'87 GL Syncro Westfalia

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