T3: Trudy is running

[Schmitt@aerovironment.com (Schmitt, Frank)]

On Saturday I did a bit more messing around with the fastback. I pulled the
MAP sensor and tried sucking on it. I got a bit of fuel-scented air, but it
wouldn't hold a vacuum. I priced a couple of places, and they all said it
would be about $150 for a new one. Bosch Part # 280 0 100 007 (if memory
serves). I may try to pull the one I have apart and fix it.

Undaunted I went to the local VW parts place (you know you're in Southern
California when...) and picked up some fuel injector seals and installed
them. I reinstalled the (leaky) MAP sensor and after the second try the car
started up. I quickly closed the deck lid, threw the tools in the trunk, and
shifted into reverse. Then the engine stalled (yes, I did have the clutch
depressed). I was able to reliably get the engine to stall whenever I put it
in reverse (any idea of what this could be? a bad ground strap?).

Still undaunted I pulled her backwards out of the parking spot and drove out
of the back lot. A fair amount of torque in that little engine! Its also
weird to drive a big car (compared to my 914) and not have it understeer
like crazy. She actually sort of handles!

Today I tried to start her up again, but to no avail, until (you guessed it)
undaunted I refilled the gas tank, whereupon she started right up. The idle
is still a little rough, due in part to the MAP sensor, but probably also to
the low compression in one of the cylinders.

The speedometer kind of howls. I'll have to go back and read the last few
days mail regarding that. Still, as I was going around the block, I was able
to watch the numbers click by (from 40313 to 40316).

If anybody butchered a fuelie to put in carbs or whatever and has one of
those sensors lying around, I would be interested in buying it. Until then I
need to get her insured, washed and vacuumed.

-Frank

'71 Fastback (Gertrude), '73 914 2.0 (Helmut), '79 924 EV (Zippy).