Greetings, Volks.

I find myself relying on La Vana Blanca as my daily driver for a bit while
the company car is in shop awaiting repairs. The cooler weather seems to
have brought on a new fuel system problem in the van. There is so much
written about idle, fuel mix, temp II sensor, etc. that I find it difficult
to parse pertinent info. Will appreciate any clarity that can be offered.

The engine starts readily from stone cold (in the mid 30sF here at night)
but the idle is very rough. Almost feels like only 3 cylinders are firing.
After 3 minutes of trying to nurse this idle smooth, the van will drive but
only with severely diminished power and lots of smoke from a way too rich
mixture.

If during this initial cold start, I disconnect temp II sensor the idle
smooths at about 1000-1200 rpm. However, I cannot accelerate and drive with
temp II disconnected - the engine bogs down and sputters badly.

After about five minutes of nursing the throttle and chugging along, the
engine will suddenly smooth out and drive reasonably well though somewhat
under-powered. But it is certainly firing on all cylinders. Not nearly the
pick-up and power as normal. It will idle at stop and generally behaves
alright.

Fuel economy is miserable - about 75 miles to the half tank at the moment.
Fuel smell is strong; the engine is surely running rich.

Temp II sensor is about 6 months old. Plugs are about 3 months old. Fuel
pump and filter, likewise 3 months old.

This seems like a faulty temp II sensor based on a lot of what I read but
also suspect the TPS.

Cheers,

--
mordo
1990 Carat