TheSamba.com :: View topic - Unusual Air-cooled starting issue

Fri Nov 21, 2008 2:05 pm

Hey folks,
I just came home from college today, and in spite of the 82' Westy sitting out in the cold all week un-run and in the blowing snow today, I jumped in hit the key and it started with no issues. So I let it warm up a few mins pull it to the top of the drive let off the gas to hit the brake (Automatic) and the engine drops off and stalls, I figured hey its cold cut it some slack. So Any way I crank it to re-start and the bitch cranks and cranks, open throttle closed throttle no difference. So I give it a few seconds and with the throttle closed I crank it and it sounds like its gonna kick off so I floor it and it slowly catches and then revs up normal and has plenty of power.
Its got no miles on a rebuilt engine, everything has been re-seal all intake and FI Components. Won't do this when its cold and I don't believe it does it when its hot. It doesn't sound like its flooding just sounds like its getting no fuel or something. I messed with the AFM clockspring as per engine builders recommendation, but it had the starting issue before I opened the AFM up. Idk, it runs excellent other wise.
LMK what you guys think, thermo time issue? Any input appreciated

Fri Nov 21, 2008 2:24 pm

Quote: I messed with the AFM clockspring as per engine builders recommendation

Tell us more about messing with the AFM.....

You need to confirm that you do indeed have adequate fuel pressure to get it started (26 psi) and that the double relay is indeed working after it starts up.

How is the Temp Sensor II?

The thermotime switch only really tells the cold start valve "engine is cold" and to give it more fuel for the next 8 seconds.

Is the dwell angle and timing correct?

Fri Nov 21, 2008 2:37 pm

I had turned the clock spring retainer about 12 teeth counter clockwise, careful not to touch anything else, carbon strip is good. But like I said it had the issue before I even opened the lid. The Pump is less than a year old and operates quietly. Double relay is working as I have had it running and had it driving around my back roads for a little. Relay makes audible click when cranking so it is getting power.
Temp Switch 2 is the one on 3 and 4 cylinder bank correct? Is there a method in which to check it?
Like I said before being in the 30's and blowing snow it started right up no problem, just a weird in between issue.
IDK, keep the ideas coming.
Jon

Fri Nov 21, 2008 2:55 pm

Turn that cog wheel back to where it used to be.....

Temp Sensor II is over by cylinder #3. Test it this way http://www.ratwell.com/technical/TempSensorII.html

Fri Nov 21, 2008 6:59 pm

Not really a real big issue but once I quit calling Madam Helga a bitch, she decided to run her pretty little head off and shes been running her pretty little head off now for the last few years :shock: .
Prior to that I cussed and yelled and dissed her every time she farted sideways.
Once I gave her some slack and had her adjusted as per Mr. Bently, she decided to behave all on her own.
My advice would be to ease off on the air-flow meter, check out the temp sensor, remove and reinsert the wiring harness to the ECU and then thank the bitch for running as good as she has been. :D

Fri Nov 21, 2008 7:05 pm

I was told to back the spring off 12 clicks in order to achieve a non-lean running condition at highway speeds. I'm just doing what I'm told by the engine builder, the engine has a 12 month 12k miles warranty on it so I don't want to in essence void the warranty by not doing what I'm told.

I really need to take the thing on a good long run here, and see if the quirk works out. Roads have just been way to icy here with the recent snow, don't feel like wrecking the new bus.

temp sensor II is cheap enough should just through a new one on it for good measure.

Jon

Fri Nov 21, 2008 7:11 pm

Twelve teeth is a huge adjustment on the AFM. Five is about as far as you usually want to go. I would put it back to within 3 of the original and start from there.

Sat Nov 22, 2008 6:34 am

derkleinvw wrote: I was told to back the spring off 12 clicks in order to achieve a non-lean running condition at highway speeds. I'm just doing what I'm told by the engine builder, the engine has a 12 month 12k miles warranty on it so I don't want to in essence void the warranty by not doing what I'm told.

Jon

That is just lame advice.

After this thing get broken in correctly, borrow or rent a LM1 or asimilar wideband exhaust sniffer to dial in the AFM unit correctly. These things work hard pushing these down the road and they need to be set up correctly or they will overheat.

Sat Nov 22, 2008 9:52 am

Sometimes it can be hard to get a cold restart. Because the engine has been run a bit it does not need extra fuel, but the cold start is still supplying it causing a very rich condition on restart. Could also be problems with one of the FI peripherals like the TSII sensor on the left head.

Try unplugging the Cold Start Valve and see if that helps. Also try grounding out the wire to the TSII sensor.

If your engine would run even half way decent with the AFM set where it was originally and you moved the wheel 12 notches it is going to be pukey rich and give all kinds of problems.

Sat Nov 22, 2008 11:30 am

Yeah I went out this Morning, stone cold it started right up with out touching the gas pedal. Left it warm up about 10-15 before I moved off with it. Still exhibits bitchyness in starting about 20-25 mins after it was running. Left it sit like 5-10 mins and it kicked right back over and ran.

I think I'm going to lean to towards TS II as I had this problem before I even touched the AFM.

As far as the AFM adjustment goes I'm going to get a hold of the engine builder and have him e-mail me the procedure and what the adjustment was and what the CO output is at the specified RPM. Unfortunately the details have slipped my mind at the moment.

Sat Nov 22, 2008 11:32 am

God Damn,
Apparently I'm registered on my laptop as Volksbulli and my Desktop as derkleinvw. WTF. Oh well both names are me.

Sat Nov 22, 2008 11:51 am

Volksbulli wrote: God Damn,
Apparently I'm registered on my laptop as Volksbulli and my Desktop as derkleinvw. WTF. Oh well both names are me.

e-mail evertt barnes and he can combine the accounts

Sat Nov 22, 2008 12:28 pm

God Damn,
Apparently I'm registered on my laptop as Volksbulli and my Desktop as derkleinvw. WTF. Oh well both names are me.