1.9 engine/ECU

-----Original Message-----
From: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net>
To: John Lauterbach <john@jhl.mgacoxmail.com>
Cc: Vanagon List <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Subject: Re: Mystery starting issue 85 auto
Date: 12/21/2023 09:10:30 PM

HI John,

Thanks for the reply.

Was this a 1.9 ECU? 

Or a different system?

Thanks,

Eric Caron 

> On Dec 21, 2023, at 8:50 PM, John Lauterbach <john@jhl.mgacoxmail.com> wrote:
> 
> 
> Sometime in the late 1990's I purchased an '84 Vanagon.  I had the same problem
> until a mechanic at a local TBA store found the problem.  The contacts between the
> FI cable and the FI computer had gotten dirty.  He cleaned them up, and problem
> went away.  After that, I always cleaned them a few times a year.  Problem never
> happened again.
> 
> John
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
> Reply-To: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Mystery starting issue 85 auto
> Date: 12/21/2023 08:16:18 PM
> 
> Hi listers,
> 
>         I’m hoping folks can help.
> 
> Today, roads clear of salt I took the bus for a run to Keen NH about 20 miles away.
> 
> After a visit to Harbor freight, got to love this new adjustable socket wrench, we
> tried to start the van to leave.
> 
> The van seemed to start, and then immediately died. 
> 
> This kept happening. 
> 
>         I called my local mechanic that had recently done some work.  He thought
> vacuum issue and I checked hoses.
> 
> His wife then offered to drive over and check out the issue and do a video call if
> needed.
> 
> 
> So, we waited for about 15 minutes in 35 degrees weather.
> 
> We, let the van cool to see if that might make a difference. 
> 
>         When My mechanic’s better half arrived she checked hoses, and connections,
> all looked good.  She checked both on and under the van. 
> 
> We then tried to start the van… 
> 
> And, it started. 
> 
> Nothing seemed wrong. 
> 
> But, we didn’t turn it off incase it didn’t start.
> 
> We drove to mechanic, and things seemed to look good over all. 
> 
> We noted one issue I’ll mention separately. 
> 
>         We made a plan, I would take it home, and if it doesn’t start when hot I
> would bring it back in the Spring to have this addressed. 
> 
> So, we drove it home.  And, I tried to start the van once it was safe in the
> garage.
> 
> And…
> 
> No start.  It starts, but rather then idling it dies.  And, I mean dies like the
> key is turned off.
> 
> When van is completely cooled down it might take two tries, but the van starts,
> idles and runs fine.
> 
> This is a GW 2.3 with GW engine management. 
> 
> I’d love to figure this out before spring.
> 
> So, any suggestions from folks as to what to look for or try?
> 
> Eric Caron 
> 85 Auto GW 2.3