need assitance in north eastern MO, mid western IL

[scottf3334]

Anyone know a good Vanagon mechanic north of Hannibal? My mother is brokedown in Kahoka and can't find anyone willing to diagnose her van. Please PM with your phone if you have any ideas.
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84 Westy
78 Super vert
87 Westy Zetec

[heidi85ho]

this guy shows up on the rescue list within 100 miles of hannibal. could be of some help


Tom Henderson
COLUMBIA, MO 65203
Phone: (573) 999-2573
Email: [email protected]
Located 78 Miles from you.
Near: 38.88 N 92.40 W

also here is a link to the Roadhaus Mechanics page for Mo.

http://www.roadhaus.com/shops_advanced_search_results.php

[scottf3334]

Well, they made it to Quincy, IL. I have checked Roadhaus mechanics list. They have called a few different ones on the list and have been told they don't work on vanagons or there is no way to fit them in for a least a couple of weeks.

Columbus, MO is about 120 miles from them.

I think it is probably something fairly simple. It is an 87 automatic, with the stock 2.1 engine. The symptoms are:
It will stall when coming to a stop.
It is using way too much gas.
The gauge does not show hot.
Will only go about 60mph

The history is that while in Iowa 2 days ago, my brother (I love him, but he is not a great mechanic) put on a new water pump. He also pumped air through the cooling system until a hose in the drivers side front of the engine compartment blew up.

He then replaced the hose, talked about how much of a pile of $$$$ moms VW is and sent them on their way this morning. They drove about 4hrs before the van started stalling at stops (of course they kept on driving, hoping they could just make it to me in Florida). Until it started slowing down.

I had mom look for the oxygen sensor to be sure it is plugged in (thinking the exploding hose may have taken it out).

Is there anyone with even limited vanagon experience anywhere close?
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84 Westy
78 Super vert
87 Westy Zetec

[trip'n]

Are they going through st louis

[heidi85ho]

Here is a link to the Roadhaus search page. You can use it to search anywhere in the country for a mechanic. Just input the zip where you are or input the state where you are and a list will come up.

[morymob]

Before it starts stalling out is it running rich, black smoke from exhaust, if so unplug oxy sensor and see if changes, also a shorted oxy wire- center to outside shield- will cause rich running. Follow the wires from the TPS assy to the plug and test. Whoever checks the van should start in the areas, keep us informed.

[50 Kafer]

www.aircooledmissouri.com
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John
1950 Kafer Deluxe (10/50)
1955 Beetle Deluxe (6/55)
1968 Beetle (11/67)
1982 Westy
1986 Cabriolet (6/86)
WTB Air-Camping roof top mount http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=1499947

[scottf3334]

Could someone please post a picture of the location of the oxygen sensor on a 2.1.

I can't find a picture anywhere and the one on my 1.9 is in a different location. I'm trying to direct her to unhook it.

It is little like playing vw charades.
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84 Westy
78 Super vert
87 Westy Zetec

[yggdrasil]

Sounds like it may be the temp 2 sensor.
Im not 100% sure, research the symptons and you may be able to get away with unplugging it? its a sensor that is close by the thermostat if im not mistaken.
Also, if its not heating up at all? then could be a thermostat problem, water temp sending wires?

[scottf3334]

Woo Hoo

I talked my mom thru unhooking the o2 sensor and the van immediately ran better.

Sent her to Walmart to get the oil changed just in case some fuel leaked into the oil. She said she took it up to 65 mph on the hwy and it runs great.

So tomorrow they continue the trip to Florida. Thanks everyone for your advice. Especially morymobb, you were right on the money.

Next time I'm in TN, I'm buying you a beer
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84 Westy
78 Super vert
87 Westy Zetec