Power drop & black smoke after car wash

[Multimann]

after a car wash last Friday my engine is behaving strange. Here are the details:
- My van: 1991 2WD, 2.1, auto tranny
- the engine would stall in idle if I would not keep my foot on the gas; so I always have to brake with my left foot to keep my right foot on the gas pedal
- the engine would not stall in idle if it is cold
- gas mileage is LOUSY
- it wont go over 65 mph (used to be 75mph); I'm under the impression I'm feeling some kind of bucking at that speed
- I see black smoke and the car stinks
- the air filter has been replaced recently, and there is no water in the air intake (from the car wash)
- the engine turns over at any time without any problems

I'm not sure if it is related to the car wash or it is just a coincident. Any ideas what that could be? Thanks for any hint.
Alex

[danfromsyr]

check the O2 wire for being disconnected or buggered..
if it disconnects and shorts to metal it'll wreak havoc on your engine tune.

did you hose off the engine itself? but could just need the inside of the distributor dried out and the old ignition wires dried/replaced.


I'd never take a westy (or vanagon reallY) thru a carwash. these beasts of burden like the personal touch of a washmit and soapy bucket.

best luck.
_________________
VW Club of Central New York SPRING VW GTG
Upstate NY 2013 VWCCNY events
NY State VW Camping 2013 season events

[Multimann]

Thanks Dan
Do you mean the sensor that is attached to the catalytic charger? Visually it looks fine. But I just found this
http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=3927&category_id=&category_parent_id=
saying that this sensor is giving trouble in wet conditions. That could explain the car wash issue. I did not wash the engine (which I would never do).

Thanks

[0to60in6min]

also check the Temp 2 sensor.

the temp 2 sensor is located on the left hand side of the engine and fits in the bottom of the thermostat housing.

[Terry Kay]

Try doing one fast move.
Spray some LPS-1 or WD-40 inside & outside of the cap, and on the coil, hit the plug wires too to dry them up---see what happens.
_________________
T.K.
http://community.webtv.net/VanStuff/VanagonWestfalia

http://community.webtv.net/VanagonUsedParts/VanagonParts


"Ingorance Is A Powerful Tool If applied at The Right Time, Even Usually Surpassing Knowledge"
(E.J. Potter)

[funagon]

Oxygen sensor or oxygen sensor wiring which is sensitive. Also the temp II Sensor.

Those are the first places I would look for faulty parts for a short circuit.
_________________
1990 GL 7-passenger
2.2 liter WBX

[Multimann]

Can you please confirm that the O2 sensor (oxygen sensor) is the one that is attached to the catalytic converter? Thanks
http://www.gowesty.com/images/ec/products/thumb/thumb_887b600ecaec109ec5097500b2629d04.jpg

[Zero419]

That is the O2 sensor.
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1987 Westy Auto Bostig 2.0 Ztec