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Smog suggestions 85 vanagon

I have tried to get smogged (california) an 85 Vanagon. Each repair facility I have taken it to has suggested replacing a different part from the fuel system. Does anyone here truly understand how this system works?

I have replaced: Catalytic converter, O2 sensor, Coolant Sensor, Air Flow Meter, ECU (this actually made the vehicle stall at idle.) Another fix I was suggested was replace the fuel ingectors.

My problem has been too much fuel in the exhaust. Does anyone truly know how this system works And how can I correctly find the problem? Smog check stations like to make guesses but are obviously ignorant of how this system works.

MYSTIC

Reply to
Mystic
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Not sure about the test in your state but I can tell you the engine needs to be run awhile to get the cat up to temperature. We don't get many vans in anymore but I would drive it for a bout 5 miles and immediately run the test once in the shop before the cat cooled down. Can you post the test results?

Reply to
Woodchuck

Try unplugging your o2 sensor. If it makes no difference then the problem is most likely the cable/wire from the o2 sensor running to the ecm. I had a 84 and chased this problem for a while. I passed the tip along to a group I used to belonged to and got replies of thanks from all over the world. The wire is actually a coax cable and the insulation between the center conductor and outer shield is deteriorating. Plus if it's got a "generic" crimp on type connector that's a sure giveaway. It's running rich because the ecm is not seeing voltage from the sensor and is adding fuel to raise the voltage level. I used microphone cable from Radio Shack and replaced it all from the ecm connector down to the o2 sensor. The system is actually quite simple but a understanding of what's going on is necessary. You can disconnect the connector to the o2 sensor and measure the voltage from it. It should be around 1.5v as I remember measured with a digital meter.

Reply to
Jo Bo

"Mystic" wrote

Hopefully it is fuel and not vapor. Also hopefully, your Vanagon is not starting the common problem of this vintage wasserboxer engine, that is, commonly, coolant leaks into the combustion chamber. Eventually it steams, has leak on the ground and starts intermittently. This would effect catalytic converter capability though may not be otherwise apparent because it may not have gotten that bad. Hopefully it is not this. The aluminum heads of the Vanagon react and form deposits that eventually cause coolant to leak into the combustion chamber. There are machined fixes for this with a swap of heads of different aluminum modified and machined on a replacement head.

Harry

Reply to
Harry

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