TheSamba.com :: View topic - '83 1.9L Wasserboxer Backfires

Wed Aug 27, 2008 7:09 pm

This thing is driving me absolutely crazy !

There are NO vacuum leaks, the timing is set dead nuts on @ 6 BTDC, with Idle Stabilizer plugs connected and vacuum hose disconnected and plugged.

When I try to start the Van, it makes banging noises, backfires and the idle becomes unstable. Very difficult to start I might add. The power is poor to say the least. Throttle response SUX, sometimes it doesn't even sound like a VW. Almost like the Timing is off but, it isn't.

Even put in a new Engine Coolant Temp Sensor.

I put in new plugs (@ .027") , distributor and wires. Repaired the Hall Sensor wires because the connector was like a Graham Cracker. From left to right the wires into the Hall Sense Connctor are RED-GREEN-BROWN.

How do I reset the Digifant Engine Management System ?

Lean out the fuel mixture ?

WTF ? Anything ?

Help ! Any suggestions are GREATLY Appreciated.

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Wed Aug 27, 2008 7:22 pm

Are the plug wires installed correctly? Firing order 1-4-3-2

Wed Aug 27, 2008 7:59 pm

loogy wrote: Are the plug wires installed correctly? Firing order 1-4-3-2

Yes. 1-4-3-2 Firing order

Wed Aug 27, 2008 8:19 pm

Distributor installed 180º out?

Wed Aug 27, 2008 11:13 pm

Quote: How do I reset the Digifant Engine Management System ?

You don't want to ask that question! 83.5 is DIGIJET!

Older, cruder (more reliable) and NOT Digifant!

Best!

Thu Aug 28, 2008 4:14 am

loogy wrote: Distributor installed 180º out?

I will triple check this, the dist is keyed so I am hoping it will only seat into the well one way and one way only.

For the sake of continued troubleshooting can we assume it is in corrretly at this point ? Since the engine has been timed with a light and the timing marks are aligned without the distributor being cranked way around I want to say the dist is not 180 out.

Thu Aug 28, 2008 4:18 am

What is the Bosch Part number for the distributor cap ? So I can triple check this.

What about the Hall connector wires are they correct ?

From left to right looking into the engine compartment RED-GREEN-BROWN ?

Thu Aug 28, 2008 7:22 am

Solved ! Wires to #1 & #2 were crossed - dumbell

Brain fart, my bad, she is purring now !

Thu Aug 28, 2008 7:56 am

Digijet is timed at 5deg. AFTER TDC. Bentley p.28.30.

Red-green-brown sounds right to me.

Doesn't matter what position the diz is in so long as you're on #1 when #1 cyl is TDC on firing, and the wires are in the right firing order from there (1-4-3-2 clockwise). Pop off the right valve cover and turn crank to TDC on #1. Look at #1 intake valve, after it opens and then closes again, the next time the timing mark comes to centerline is #1 TDC. Then verify that the diz rotor points to the #1 notch on the rim of the diz body, and verify your wire positions from there.

Check the throttle switch operation.

<edit> #1 and 2 crossed? The classic mistake. Lucky you. Mind that timing, though.