Power steering stalls engine

MootPoint · Posted: Thu Oct 11, 2007 10:21 am Post subject: Power steering stalls engine

If I'm doing some tight maneuvering like parallel parking or turning around on a one-lane dirt track (as I did several times on Mon & Tue looking for good camping spots in SW Colorado), I end up with the steering of my '84 Westy turned full-lock left or right. Inevitably the hard-working power steering unit stalls out the engine, usually at a really inopportune time.

Sure, the solution is to pay attention and keep the revs up but If I'm focusing on not backing into a ditch, a tree or a parked car RPM is not my main concern.

Is there a solution other than awareness? A power steering adjustment? Something else?

Thanks in advance
_________________
1984 Westy with tencentlife power!

tencentlife · Posted: Thu Oct 11, 2007 11:11 am Post subject:

If you look in Bentley p.24.24b, there's the layout of the Digijet intake air plumbing for AC- and PS-equipped cars. Your should have an idle boost valve activated by a pressure switch on the PS pump. If you idle your engine and bridge the two wires on the pressure switch, the idle should rise substantially. If not, the servo-valve may be faulty. Or maybe your van didn't get one.
_________________
Shop for unique Vanagon accessories at the Vanistan shop:
https://intrepidoverland.com/vanistan/

Please don't PM here, I will not reply.

Experience is kryptonite to doctrine.

weinerwagen · Posted: Thu Oct 11, 2007 11:11 am Post subject:

Seems to me like there is an electrical switch at the pump which kicks the idle up a tad

check that connection/connector

unless the p/s pump is about to seize

Colonel_Brown · Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2011 11:26 am Post subject:

Did this work for you?

I have the same issue now (same year van too).

EDIT:
Okay, so on my second check I have the idle boost valve but nothing is connected to the electrical connection.... Anybody have a picture on where the other end of idle booster electrical connection goes? The Bentley seems a little light on details for the electrical connector there
_________________
'84 Vanagon GL (1.9L) - "Colonel Brown"

MootPoint · Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2011 11:51 am Post subject:

Pardon the slow reply. Just back from meandering in the Westy last week.

Mine had NO sensor switch attached to the power steering pump; there was a bolt screwed into the hole and the wires at the idle switch were cut. Here's what I did with the help of 10¢'s comments and the Bentley:

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

Works like a charm now.
_________________
1984 Westy with tencentlife power!

Colonel_Brown · Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2011 10:18 am Post subject:

Thanks MootPoint!! That looks to be exactly what I need. I haven't had the time to go back and fix it yet but awesome reply! Thanks!
_________________
'84 Vanagon GL (1.9L) - "Colonel Brown"


Hello! Log in or Register \| Help \| Donate \| Buy Shirts	See all banner ads \| Advertise on TheSamba.com

	Forum Index -> Vanagon	All times are Mountain Standard Time/Pacific Daylight Savings Time
Page 1 of 1