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[email protected]
Samba Member
Joined: November 21, 2017
Posts: 6
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 Posted: Tue Nov 21, 2017 4:36 pm Post subject: Van won't start |
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1984 VW Vanagon, fuel injected
My van turns over, starter turns the engine. Fuel pump is coming on, I've got spark and fuel past the filter. Any ideas on where to go from here? |
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shagginwagon83
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Joined: February 07, 2016
Posts: 3795
Location: VA/TN
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| Posted: Tue Nov 21, 2017 4:44 pm Post subject: Re: Van won't start |
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Hello. Welcome to the Samba.
Before anything, change your fuel lines if you have not!
My 83.5 had starting issues. It would sputter and catch and seem like it would start up - turned out to be the Idle Control unit. I learned this by trying to set the timing - by bypassing this box.
Anyhow, make sure you have spark, fuel pressure, and your injectors are spraying. Vacuum leaks, clean your grounds if you haven't.
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Brandon
"Jo Ann" - '83.5 Westfalia EJ22e w/Peloquin
Instagram @joannthevan |
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Ahwahnee
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Joined: June 05, 2010
Posts: 9798
Location: Mt Lemmon, AZ
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| Posted: Tue Nov 21, 2017 4:57 pm Post subject: Re: Van won't start |
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As noted, you can check the spray of fuel that comes from an injector w/o disturbing much -- the pair on the drivers side are easier to get at. The manual (Bentley et al) will show you what to expect.
Use care/caution removing the bolt (10mm?) that holds them on as some have managed to break it. If it seems reluctant some PBlaster overnight may be a good idea.
Alternately - a quick & dirty approach to diagnose a fuel issue is to see if starting fluid makes a difference - i.e. if it fires and runs briefly on that stuff then fuel delivery is suspect.
If you establish that fuel is reaching the cylinders then the 3rd leg of the stool is timing.
What was going on prior to the no-start condition? Had the engine been running okay? Was work done recently? Or is this an engine of unknown provenance? |
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Steve M.
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Joined: July 30, 2013
Posts: 6829
Location: Fort Lauderdale, Fl.
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| Posted: Tue Nov 21, 2017 8:56 pm Post subject: Re: Van won't start |
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Welcome. When did it start last?
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mikemtnbike
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Joined: March 26, 2015
Posts: 2795
Location: North Carolina
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| Posted: Wed Nov 22, 2017 5:38 am Post subject: Re: Van won't start |
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I strongly recommend the no-start have spark and related threads in FAQs. Great information in those threads has helped me in the past.
Next steps can all be found here:
http://www.vanagonauts.com/files/Digijet_FI.pdf
Also, have you checked your ignition switch and grounds? The ignition switch should be ok with all the other stuff you know is working, but never know. Cleaning up grounds is good practice anyway.
You may already know and/or have done all of the above, but just trying to get the easy information out of the way.
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1991 Vanagon GL 2.1 AT Westfauxlia. "Frankie" Totaled  https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=764510&highlight=carnage
1995 Eurovan Camper "Marzivan"
2020 GTI SE manual |
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RicoS
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Joined: December 02, 2006
Posts: 583
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| Posted: Wed Nov 22, 2017 7:13 am Post subject: Re: Van won't start |
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Before you futilely head off in every direction except the right one, go to:
http://vanagonwestfaliaaccessories.com/
and buy: Vanagon 83.5 to 85 1.9 Digijet Injection Tech / Repair Manual
Methodically follow the troubleshooting scheme and you should be able to isolate your problem.
Richie (near The Burgh) |
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Steve M.
Samba Member
Joined: July 30, 2013
Posts: 6829
Location: Fort Lauderdale, Fl.
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| Posted: Wed Nov 22, 2017 8:07 am Post subject: Re: Van won't start |
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download the fuel injection book here:
http://www.vanagonauts.com/files/Vanagon%20Digifant%20Fuel%20Injection%20System.pdf
Just out of curiousity when was the last time you cleaned ALL of the Electrical ground connections?
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There are seven days in a week. Someday is not one of them. |
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Ahwahnee
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Joined: June 05, 2010
Posts: 9798
Location: Mt Lemmon, AZ
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mikemtnbike
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Joined: March 26, 2015
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Location: North Carolina
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[email protected]
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Joined: November 21, 2017
Posts: 6
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| Posted: Wed Nov 22, 2017 8:34 am Post subject: Re: Van won't start |
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Hey Everyone- Thanks for all of the help and advice, I really appreciate it. Definitely some things to tinker with. I've never cleaned any of the grounds, I'll look around and try to find them all regardless if that's not the issue, several of you mentioned that's an issue!
shagginwagon83- it's turning over and not catching. I haven't checked injectors, will do that this weekend. I did pull one of the electrical connectors, and there's no voltage when in accessory or trying to start. So, can I assume a faulty fuse or relay to begin with?
Again, I have spark and fuel, I hear the pump priming. Coil tested ok too.
ahwanee- good point on the starting fluid. I've done this before with a carburetor, but never on fuel injection. To test, just pull one of the injectors and spray in there? Like I said earlier I'm getting no voltage at the electrical connector, so I now expect faulty fuse/relay somewhere.
mikemtnbike- Thanks for the thread, very helpful. I'll definitely check that out. I haven't checked the ignition switch but I will.
RicoS- Definitely purchasing that, Thanks!
SteveM- Thanks a BUNCH for that link. Haven't checked or cleaned the grounds, but I will be!
Van ran great 2 weeks ago. Went out of town for a week, then no starty when I get back. Dogs love riding around in it, loaded them up and wouldn't start. I think they are just as sad about it as I am. I've replaced a lot of things- starter, alternator, other exterior engine bits. Electrical is not my forte, but it looks like it's time to put my big girl panties on and figure it out.
Thanks again for all of the help, I'll post when she's running again!
Jim |
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Ahwahnee
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Joined: June 05, 2010
Posts: 9798
Location: Mt Lemmon, AZ
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| Posted: Wed Nov 22, 2017 8:40 am Post subject: Re: Van won't start |
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| [email protected] wrote: |
| ...Again, I have spark and fuel, I hear the pump priming. Coil tested ok too... |
Where did you test for spark? At the plug on at the coil lead?
You say you have fuel past the filter - I assume this is the square white plastic filter that is upstream from the pump?
Mike - yeah, I only read the most recent post. Oops. |
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mikemtnbike
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Joined: March 26, 2015
Posts: 2795
Location: North Carolina
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| Posted: Wed Nov 22, 2017 8:53 am Post subject: Re: Van won't start |
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jimboraza- the next steps for no-voltage at injectors are directly outlined in the Digijet manual links above. I could try and describe it, but the horse's mouth is a straight source, or something like that.
_________________
1991 Vanagon GL 2.1 AT Westfauxlia. "Frankie" Totaled https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=764510&highlight=carnage
1995 Eurovan Camper "Marzivan"
2020 GTI SE manual |
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[email protected]
Samba Member
Joined: November 21, 2017
Posts: 6
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| Posted: Wed Nov 22, 2017 10:00 am Post subject: Re: Van won't start |
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mikemtnbike- thanks a bunch for that link. I'm putting it with the Bently.
ahwahnee- coil tested ok, so I pulled a wire off a plug, had spark there.
My fuel line comes in and over the throttle body before it splits to go to the injectors. The filter is right before that split. There's gas in the lines going to the injectors, after the filter.
I can't thank everyone enough for all of the help and advice. Can't wait to get running again!!!
Happy Thanksgiving everybody!
Jim |
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djkeev
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Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32584
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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Ahwahnee
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Joined: June 05, 2010
Posts: 9798
Location: Mt Lemmon, AZ
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| Posted: Wed Nov 22, 2017 10:47 am Post subject: Re: Van won't start |
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| [email protected] wrote: |
| ...My fuel line comes in and over the throttle body before it splits to go to the injectors. The filter is right before that split... |
Just to note, that is not the typical location of the filter - unless you are mistaking the fuel pressure regulator (which looks a bit like a metal encased fuel filter):
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Steve M.
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Joined: July 30, 2013
Posts: 6829
Location: Fort Lauderdale, Fl.
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| Posted: Wed Nov 22, 2017 10:55 am Post subject: Re: Van won't start |
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uh...yeah...you know it might help a little bit better! 
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There are seven days in a week. Someday is not one of them. |
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[email protected]
Samba Member
Joined: November 21, 2017
Posts: 6
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| Posted: Thu Nov 23, 2017 4:25 pm Post subject: Re: Van won't start |
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Ahwanee- Yep, thanks for the correction, I saw that in the link you sent. Never assume anything right?
djkeev- thanks, I ordered the light to test voltage at the injection connector.
Is there any way to test the ECU itself? Looks like of there's no voltage at the injectors then that's most likely the problem. Bummer. I found one on Go Westy, 700$, minus the 400$ core return. Those are rebuilt, couldn't find any new ones.
Jim |
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Ahwahnee
Samba Member
Joined: June 05, 2010
Posts: 9798
Location: Mt Lemmon, AZ
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| Posted: Thu Nov 23, 2017 4:57 pm Post subject: Re: Van won't start |
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I bought a used ECU here in the Samba ads for about 70 bucks (as I recall). I swapped it on and drove a while to confirm it is good, now I have a spare for testing (by substitution) and for use in case of failure.
I don't like to throw parts at a problem but a spare ECU is a fairly practical thing to carry if you plan to travel long & far. |
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djkeev
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Joined: September 30, 2007
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Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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levi
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Joined: February 11, 2005
Posts: 5522
Location: Las Vegas
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| Posted: Thu Nov 23, 2017 5:33 pm Post subject: Re: Van won't start |
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That under-body ground that runs from the transmission to the body, I wouldn't just check it, definitely replace it. They're only 5 bucks at the flaps, and the original braided ground gets corroded internally.
5 minute job.
There's also a ground from the inside left of the engine bay to engine.
Since you say you've never done anything to the grounds, go for the quick n easy stuff before thinking about a new ecu, they rarely fail.
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