Very Bizarre! I had just purchased an 86 Syncro to go with my Westy, The PO
said it didn't like the rain. I just drove it for the first time in a
downpour. After about 5 minutes on the freeway it started spooling down,
losing power, after another 15 seconds of running horribly it died. I
remembered the PO saying turn off the ignition an it would come back. I did,
it did, started and ran normally, for 10 seconds. So you drive for 6 seconds
it sputters for 2, engage clutch shut off ignition, turn back on slowly let
out clutch it runs normally for 6 seconds blah blah blah all the way home
(but it did get me home!)
What on earth gives? I read the post RE fuel tank getting water in it. The
power loss does "feel" like fuel. It is not a stutter drop out like an
electical (ignition) type short. Sycro tank is different right? Possibly
electrical? Is there a vent filter for the fuel tank that could get wet and
create a vacuum ?
Ideas frow the wise?

Signed

"Fairweather Syncro"
Duncan Cameron
Nashville

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
Of James Flanigan
Sent: Monday, November 06, 2000 5:00 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: 84 Vanagon GL does not like the rain

I had the same problem, and as odd as this may seem, it was a fuel problem!
There are two plastic tanks that sit just behind the front wheels.  These
tanks are connected directly to the fuel tank (I am not sure of their exact
purpose).  There are seals on the top of the tanks.  The seals failed, and
spray from the tires went directly to the fuel tank.  The fuel filter would
become waterlogged and plugged.  This not only resulted in poor performance
during the rain, but fuel line freeze up during the winter.  You should be
able to tell if this is the problem by checking the fuel filter during
problems.  Good luck.
Vanagon40

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