Hi Vanagon Types

Emissions testing is a challenge for some Vanagon owners, so I thought I would share my recent experience.  Testing is required in Idaho every two years, and I just completed my third test.  On the first two the van failed and I had to resort to my mechanic doing something then taking it to be tested.  I was not clear what he did to get it through the test.

My third test was this week and the Van passed with flying colors on the first test.  On the idle test, the CO% was .04 (standard is 1.2) and on the HC test, it was 69 (standard is 220).  There are three changes I made during the past year, and at least two of them seem to account for this improvement.  First, when I found that the throttle switch was worn out I replaced the entire throttle body with the GW housing and switch.  At the same time, I replaced the breather tower when I discovered that the inside flap on the original was gone.  Finally, a year ago I started using ethanol-free gas whenever possible. I am not sure the gas change would impact emissions, but it was another change.  I did find, subjectively, the engine runs more smoothly and the gas mileage is slightly better on ethanol-free, so maybe that impacts emissions as well.  Does anyone else have experience with that?

Dave B
'85 Westy
Boise