Stalling in neutral

[DevonMark]

Last couple of times we've taken Victor out he keeps stalling when in neutral for the first 10 minutes or so of the drive. Starts first time perfectly, but have to keep revving (or keep moving!) to avoid stalling.

Is this probably just a case of the van 'warming up', or something more sinister?

[jrt]

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David

[Footprint]

Which engine? This may assist in a diagnosis.

[kevtherev]

If it's a petrol engine then the fast idle cam may need some adjustment.
It reads like it's stepping down too early.
either that or the mixture needs checking.

[DevonMark]

Yes it is a petrol engine. Sorry to be dense, but what mixture do you mean?

[DevonMark]

Right, I've had a quick look at my Haynes manual and if gives some (brief) instructions on checking the idle speed and mixture, but it recommends that I had a Tachometer....

Is this an easy fix, or am I best waiting until I see my sister's mechanically savvy boyfriend in a couple of weeks?!

[kevtherev]

petrol/air mixture.
often checked at the MOT test.. should be around 2.5% CO

this can only be done with a gas analyser.

[Ian Hulley]

Are you setting the choke correctly ?

Mixture doesn't change itself I would STRONGLY suggest you don't start randomly 'adjusting' anything without an exhaust analyser.

Ian

[DevonMark]

Oh dear. Just took the van out and after a few minutes of driving fine, it started chugging (in gear) and then losing power - seems like it is something more sinister

Managed to get it back home and now waiting for breakdown people. Bad times.

[Ian Hulley]

Fuel system sounds likely, when was the inline fuel filter replaced and the carb inlet cone filter cleaned out ?

Ian

[DevonMark]

If I'm honest, Ian, I don't have a clue when that was last done.

Only had the van five weeks, so now time for a full service to find out what needs doing!

The breakdown man thought it was the coil overheating when we went for a spin, but he felt it when we got back it he said it wasn't hot enough so can't be that.

Ah well, need to get myself to a VW-friendly garage in Exeter this week. If anyone has any recommendations lease let me know!

[kevtherev]

A service should be the first thing any new vehicle should have... then you know when to do it next...because you don't know when it was last done.
jus' sayin'

[DevonMark]

I know, I know, prevention is better than cure etc.

Ah well, lesson learnt now. One full service coming right up!

[Ian Hulley]

If I'm honest, Ian, I don't have a clue when that was last done.

Like I said, give it a good fettling and get on top of the jobs the previous owner put off and you're 90% of thye way to having a reliable van.

[DevonMark]

Update, for anyone who's interested:

The van is now with the good people at South West Splitz - was towed there on the Friday after it started losing power. They have just got around to looking at it this week (they're very busy people!) but, having taken the van for two drives, it is now working perfectly! The chap at the garage is going to drive it home to his house in Exmouth (about 10 miles) tonight to try and make the fault appear, but failing that I don't really know what to do The day the van gave up on me it was nearly impossible to drive. Mr South West Splitz said that sometimes it can just be a case of a bit of dirt blocking the fuel system, which can just dislodge itself in time.

If the fault doesn't rear its ugly head tomorrow I've said to crack on with a full service anyway - perhaps that will reveal the problem!