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Re: [T3] FI Question


On 6 Mar 2004 at 22:13, PA Wong wrote:

> The symptoms I'm experiencing are - 
> 
> 1. Car hesitates from a full stop.  It feels like it's
> not getting enough fuel, and then it'll take off.
> 2. Gas mileage is awful.  I've been tracking at about
> 10-12 mpg

Sounds like you're experiencing the classic symptoms of a worn out voltage 
regulator. Most mechanics don't know that low system voltage will make the FI 
run rich and this is exactly what you're seeing. This is a VERY common problem 
and the fix is less than $50 (less if you're competent to do it yourself.)

Here's what you need to do to test this hypothesis:

Get a voltmeter and a friend. Take the car for a short drive to warm everything 
up and then stop but don't shut off the engine. Lift the rear seat and measure 
the voltage across the battery while running the engine at medium RPM. You'll 
be measuring the system regulating voltage. The voltage at idle will be less, 
but that's normal.

This medium RPM voltage should be 14.1-14.4V. If yours measures less than 13.5V 
replace the voltage regulator with a Bosch 30-019. This may fix your problem.

Some other things to check:

1) Make sure the hose from your pressure sensor to the engine is attached at 
both ends. If this hose is disconnected the engine will run extremely rich.

2) Check the pressure sensor by attaching a clean hose to it and sucking on 
your end of that hose. It should hold vacuum. There is a potential problem that 
occurs with the 70-71 pressure sensors which might make it necessary to replace 
it. Used ones are out here for reasonable prices.

> I'm in the San Francisco area on the peninsula. 

We have a number of good FI people in the SF area.

> He's mentioned the following
> 
> 1. Wiring Harness is too tight
> 2. Distributor is damaged
> 3. The NLA part, can't remember what he said it was. 
> I just know he said it regulates the fuel mixture.

Wires may need to be more rationally dressed.
I can rebuild distributors.
There are other important parts that you might need, but do the tests above 
first since this is such a common problem.
-- 
*******************************
Jim Adney, jadney@vwtype3.org
Madison, Wisconsin, USA
*******************************

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