Piss poor MPG and a real bad smell...

[rkymtnrider]

The title pretty much sums it up.
My MPG is down to about 10-13.
The smell of the exhaust is overpowering.
Seems to run like a champ though.
Looking for suggestions on where to start looking for problems.
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1984 Westy 1.9 manual

Craig Kelly is my copilot

[SteveVanB]

Sounds like your oxygen sensor gave up the ghost.
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91 CARAT

[Randy in Maine]

I would start by looking at the igniton system to make sure it is all it can be, then for vacuum leaks, and then correct fuel pressure.

[sc-surfer]

Also consider checking your Coolant Temp Sensor.
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'89 Syncro Westy
Catalog of Vans at SDM 2010
Westfalia, Syncro & Tristar Reproduction decals here.
* * * Coming Soon: Washable seat covers for westy bench seat...keep the pets off the upholstery! * * *

[shorepig]

Oxegen sensor x2
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85 Westy
92 Mitsubishi Mighty Max 4x4 V6
74 Honda CB500T cafe racer
2013 ktm 690r
Sector nine pintail

[rkymtnrider]

I just read the Bentley method of checking the O2 sensor for defectiveness and have a couple of questions.

1st a little disclaimer: I have owned my van for just under a year and have opened this book less than 10 times. It kind of intimidates me. Not that I'm scared of doing work on my vehicle but rather I'm nervous that I will interpret the book wrong and F something up. There is a shit load of info in that book. I wouldn't say I'm not mechanically inclined, just inexperienced, but very much wanting to learn.

So here we go...
-Do I have a digifant or digijet?
-Do I need CO testing equipment to check for a bad O2 sensor?
-If faulty, how much is a new O2 sensor and where do I get one?
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1984 Westy 1.9 manual

Craig Kelly is my copilot

[Carleton]

I'm also getting terrible mileage- 10-12mpg.
I don't really know what rich fuel smells like...
It's got a new muffler/cat/O2 sensor by the prior owner, now with less than 100o miles on it. Outside of the muffler is clean to the touch, the inside is super sooty. Not sure where to start for mine, other than ignition, vacuum leaks, or fuel pressure.....
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'87 Vanagon Wolfsburg Weekender

[thummmper]

your tail pipe should have a coffee brown residue inside. it's probably black from your description. take it to a trained mech. youlle be glad in a couple of days and you will have helped the economy rebound. you have more important things to do, don't you?

[rkymtnrider]

[Wildthings]

Check to see if the signal lead to the O2 sensor is grounded out.

[SteveVanB]

[hdenter]

$100 for an O2 sensor ... Try $20 at Van Cafe
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'79 triple white convertible bug
'84 sunroof vanagon
'85 weekender

[240Gordy]

super easy way to check the O2 sensor IIRC is just unplug it. If it drives the same it is bad, if it gets worse it is okay.

look to see if the the fine braided wires that sheild it (that is what makes it fat) are contacting the wire conductor, that will ground the signal and no feedback will go to the ECU.
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Tencentlife said,
"So, now that you know what you're doing, go to town."
2010 GOLF TRENDLINE 2.5
1985 GL now with more! a 2.1L
H&R SPORT(RED) Springs FRONT , SLAM SPECIALTIES RE6 AIRBAGS REAR

[SteveVanB]

sorry, I meant <$100 I've never paid >$100 for one, but have seen them for sale ^$100
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91 CARAT

[SteveVanB]

Ya, probably got that al fv<^>ed up too, or is it also.....
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91 CARAT

[Terry Kay]

After you get done throwing parts at the engine, and it still runs the same, do post what you have done so far..
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T.K.

[rkymtnrider]

Hoping to do it right the first time if you know what I mean TK.
Got any suggestions?
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1984 Westy 1.9 manual

Craig Kelly is my copilot

[Terry Kay]

While I agree that it 'could' be the temp II sensor, or the oxy sensor, this in myopinion shouldn't be the first place to start in your discovery mission.

The trottle body switches are a on-off all day happening and are the first place to check for functioning & adjustment, as they are a wear item.

It's the easiest place to start, and primary to the rest of the toss at the van items.

Make sure the switches are adjusted, functioning properly--then go to the other items mentioned.

The TPS should always be the first place to start when your in this sort of situation.
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T.K.

[morymob]

OX sensor about $25 at Advance store,probably close to that atA-Zone,have been Bosch brand. Unhook oxy sensor wire,it has a plug and see if any change, if none sensor either bad , center wire shorted at shield(very common), check center wire all way to ecu plug. Inves t about $20 for a meter with the Needle face,digital has it's place but u can't measure a voltage that's not steady. Temp-2 sensor may be staying in enriched/cold level keeping fuel mix richer.

[j8]

any luck, rkymtnrider?
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Julia
'89 2WD Westy (No end to names...)