Finally got tags for my '84 Vanagon today from the Virginia DMV, luckily
using the PO's emission certification. Slapped my tags on and took it for a
test drive (first time since putting in a 2.1 running 1.9 FI). At first, it
had no power, struggled to get to 30 MPH. No hesitation, no stumbling, just
no power. After about 10 minutes though, it seemed to pick up on the power,
acceleration was about what I'd consider normal. Luckily I needed gas, so I
pulled into a gas station. I noticed what looked like a bit of smoke coming
from the engine, which didn't surprise me too much since I had painted the
exhaust pipes. However, on checking it out just to be sure, I found the
heat shield above the muffler EXTREMELY hot. So hot, in fact, that the
wiring that runs across the back of the engine compartment was also hot to
the touch and getting soft-the rubber sleeve was getting soft, that is. The
wiring is not touching the shield, I have the clips back in place that hold
it along the back panel. But there was so much heat radiating off the
shield it was about to melt the wiring. With the low power and excessive
heat, I'm thinking plugged up catalytic converter-agree? Disagree? Any
thought would be appreciated.   Jeff

Jeff Stewart
fonman4277@earthlink.net
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/vwcampersmidatlantic/