Starting Issue: Running out of fuel aftermath 83.5 Vanagon 1.9L

[Wildthings]

Grounding out the O2 sensor wire will make the engine run puke rich once the FI goes closed loop.

[SCM]

[briways]

Thanks everyone for the help on this!

Not sure if running out of fuel was the cause or brainlessly throwing new parts into her to create more issues, but my van is now running! (for now) haha

I resolved the issue with spark by rebuilding my distributor with a new sensor/sender. Even after rebuilding it I had issues, but it was from an improper hookup of the vac advance. I also carelessly had one of my plugs in the wrong position 1 and 2 were swapped.

Added a new GW TPS as well and all the other parts mentioned before. Only thing that can really go wrong next is engine failure...

Good experience and I have learned a lot. Mainly to put more TLC into the van and clean her up a bit.

Thanks everyone again!!
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83.5' Vanagon Automatic 1.9L Campmobile

[4Gears4Tires]

Glad to hear it!
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'87 Syncro
Ferric Oxyhydroxide Superleggera Edition

[djkeev]

Good to hear!

Next time, diagnose first, then spend 100’s of dollars on parts second as needed.

Dave
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Stop Dead Photo Links how to post photos

Ghia
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=392473

Vanagon
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6315537#6315537

Beetle
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=482968&highlight=74+super+vert

[briways]

I have a new theory of what happened which seems logical. Or Bizarre rare?

1. Belt was squeaking due to 'fix it' bracket failing/weather changes/not made for that and driving all over the USA. Mainly not drilling out the alternator bolts/knobs. So I pulled over prior to running out of gas to tighten it).

1.1 Which lead to me using my Ryobi lamp with a 4ah battery to open the engine bay lid up at night. Foam from lid probably expanded in Florida's humid hot weather. I slightly remember my large Ryboi lamp falling into the engine area more than once. Probably hit my Air Flow Meter and TPS (which is why TPS/accelerator rod was bent downward.)


2. Expansion from foam/bumps in road or uphill cause Air Flow Meter/TPS to act up. Making me believe I ran out of gas, but really idle or fuel was too lean. I believe someone early on in the thread mentioned It is odd to run out of gas, as I haven't in the past. Waiting for the fuel AAA man probably cooled down the engine to allow to get to next gas station. Or the fix it bracket broke right before "Running out of gas", not sure when that broke, didnt discover it until in the Poconos


3. Same problem occurred yesterday and when I opened the engine bay lid, one of my intake hoses was off the intake body. I remember back when I was in Chicago, similar things happened with some of the smaller vac hoses. Yesterday, I played around with the AFM & the new GW TPS and I am back running.


Conclusion: Running out of fuel was a distraction that didn't help. Panic of replacing hall sender, which pigtail plug was hanging in by a thread, caused no spark, creating another distraction from the true problem. Also careless mistakes whlist frantically installing new parts without knowing the real issues. Regardless, I've learned a lot. And big shoutout to Kev's shop in Philly for teaching me the ropes on adjusting AFM/TPS/Timing!


Any tips for securing the engine down better or less chances of engine bay lid foam hitting anything on a hard bump? Or nothing should hit the lid if everything is installed properly hey?
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83.5' Vanagon Automatic 1.9L Campmobile

[MarkWard]

I win. Anyhow, have you checked your 4 engine mounts, They do fail. The engine won’t fall out, but can bounce around.
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