choke issues, 1.9 DG

[dink]

i've had rouble with water in the fuel tank, that's now been delt with
it caused me running issues, as soon as i let go of the throttle it dies, even when hot

i had the carb appart, cleaned it, i've blown through the carb, and the jets
i put it all back together and it wouldn't have it,
i've checked for air leaks, the timing seems way out, but putting it to where the manual shows it, it doesn't want to know
the choke until on the side, the coil spring is it supposed to be twisting to center, or twisting out

i've changed the coil, dizzy cap, roto arm, the leads, fuel filter, i guess plugs tomorrow

this morning i pulled it appart once more, and put it back together as it was once more, it now idles, but theres a flat spot, i took it for a drive, it's OK when hot, but there is still a flat spot

i've been out and started it from cold and it's very lumpy

previous to this, since i've owned the van it's always had idling issues, sometimes it's at 1000rpm, a mile up the road it might be 1400 this i don't understand, it doesn't have an idle control unit

[maxstu]

Hi dink,

I've just resolved a similar issue with the carb on my 1.9 DG.....
Assuming we're dealing with a pierburg 2E3 (see link) then this is how we (my dad & I) remedied the problem.

http://www.gowerlee.dircon.co.uk/2E3type.html

Begin the below with a cold engine. Should be easy to do in this weather

Make sure no air leaks.
Check all vacuum pipes are good.
Check fuel filter, all fuel lines and fuel pump delivery.
Check and tighten everything to do with delivery of air and fuel.
Undo the three nuts & remove airbox from above carb.
Remove & carefully clean idle jet then screw back in.
Get an assiatant to start engine and gently warm her up as you watch choke flap. Check choke flap is positioned correctly when cold (about 10 degrees off horizontal) and gradually moves to vertical position as warm water flows through choke assembly.

doesn't want to know
the choke until on the side, the coil spring is it supposed to be twisting to center, or twisting out

Not sure I understand your meaning here? But that's my ignorance and not your description.

And finally, with an assistant revving the nuts off your warmed vehicle, spray copious amounts of carb cleaner into the intake. This will result in billowing clouds of white smoke. And a strained look of absolute terror on your face, when you are totally deafened by a wasserboxer engine chucking it's valves around at over 5k rpms

It scared to crap out of me too. But did the trick.
Afterwards, I reset the tickover and everything is just fine now. Except speedo has now packed up Never ending, is it?