On Nov 27, 2008, at 10:08 PM, Mark A Kippert wrote:

> After reading through many, MANY, posts in the archives with the same
> or similar problem, it is going to be difficult to track down until I
> experience the problem on a consistent enough basis to actually
> trouble shoot it.
>

Well, looks like it's time to ask for help. While the problem is
similar to the previous one, I think this may be a different issue.
I've have searched forums, archives etc. but there's almost too much
out there.

SYMPTOMS:
Problem is continuous. Bucking, rough running, missing badly, some
backfiring through the intake. I also smelled raw (unburned) gasoline.
The higher the RPM the worse it got, so I limped home about a half
mile. I also noted that the low coolant light was blinking rapidly
(coolant level is fine, a new water pump installed in '06. No coolant
leaks).

POSSIBLE CAUSE(?):
I do believe the problem is electrical and suspect issues with
grounding. I think the van saw too little use over the last eight
years and needs all the electrical connection cleaned. Grounds are
rusty/corroded.

I started checking grounds and found two ground straps bolted together
(?) from the body to engine. I traced to where it connects to the
engine (under AC compressor) and it looks rusty and corroded. There is
also another ground wire that looks bad and I can't figure what it
goes to. It seems to go in the direction of the distributor but I
can't find the other end.

I took this picture, maybe someone can identify:
<http://www.kippert.com/vanagon/misc/engine-ground.jpg>

Oh yeah, the O2 sensor was new in '06 (as was the exhaust header).

MY PLAN:
1) Clean electrical connections & grounds. What I'm mostly looking for
in the way of advice is the best way to clean electrical connections.
Cleaning grounds are somewhat obvious but what about multi-pin
connectors with rubber boots? I have electrical contact cleaner and
dielectric grease to apply. Is this safe?

2) I'm also going to start doing a little tapping as Ben had suggested
and see what kind of response I get. I wonder if I should do this
before or after cleaning (chicken or egg?)?

3) I'll also look at (and inside) the AFM if above does not seem to
work.

Thanks!
-Mark

------------------------------------------------------------
+    To unsubscribe from the Vanagon List send an e-mail to
+    listserv@gerry.vanagon.com with SIGNOFF VANAGON
+    in the body of the message.
------------------------------------------------------------