Rex:

What are we talking about here - an air cooled '83 or watercooled?  I
think the '83 came in both "flavors." :-)

Also, maybe you can describe the "starts when it wants to do so."  I
assume we aren't talking about the usual problem with the Vanagon and its
starter (turn the key and.... nothing happens), but a situation were the
engine cranks over easily but won't fire?  Any pattern to the "starts
when it want to do so?", e.g., starts up easily when cold, won't start
when it's hot, etc.?

The air box would be one of my last "suspects" in this situation.  There
are two common problems that afflict the intake air sensor  over time: 1)
the resistive element under the sweep air in the sensor can wear, causing
"dropouts" as the air vane opens and closes and 2) the spring resisting
the movement of the air vane will weaken, causing rich-running that can't
be adjusted out at the mixture screw.  Neither of these problems are
particularly "start-up" related, but typically express themselves as
running problems, which doesn't seem to be your problem.  Also, these 2
problems with the AFM are pretty easily fixed by the DIY'er, at no cost.

Have you (or your mechanic) checked the fuel pressure?  Many "hard start"
problems, particularly "hot start" problems, are the result of fuel
improper fuel pressure.

And what are you doing with a mechanic that hates Vanagons?

On Sat, 5 Dec 1998, Rex Hargrove wrote:

>      This is my first post, so please forgive any novice mistakes.  I recently
> had a total rebuild  of my 83 vanagon's engine.  The engine now runs great,
> but starts when it wants to do so.  My local vw mech.(who hates vanagons) has
> informed me that it will need a new air box.  Having had the van for only a
> short while, I have no idea how valid this information may be.  I would
> appreciate any input on this matter.  I have checked with the Bus Boys, and
> the air box appears to be a pricey little number.

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Tom Young               young@sherlock.SIMS.Berkeley.EDU
Lafayette, CA  94549    '81 Vanagon
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