Ron,

I believe the reason for the multi-tip plug is to maintain the proper
gap for a longer period of time.

On a single tip plug, the gap increase with time (through use) and will
slowly degrade in performance because your ignition system cannot
generate enough juice to create the spark. Newer cars with modern fuel
and ignition systems use higher compression and larger sparkplug gaps
than say the 70's. But as with the older engines, if the gap gets too
large, you will not get consistent firing under certain conditions
(high RPM, high engine loading = accelerating, or combinations of
both1).

On a multi-tip plug, the spark will happen through the shortest path.
As one leads wears down and the gap gets larger, the spark will come
from the next "smaller" gap.

There is a "secondary" benefit to having a multi-tip plug. Its an old
hot rodder's trick to gaining "free" horsepower. Its called indexing
the plugs. The object to having the sparkplug is to create a spark to
ignite the fuel/air fixture. Hot rodders found that by orienting all
the spark plug electrodes with the open gap towards the path from the
intake valves, you could optimize your igintion performance to insure
complete combustion - especially usefull on high RPM engines. It was
quite simple to do. You would buy a "kit" - nothing more than various
copper washers of various thicknesses. You would take a new plug,
remove the washer it came with. After marking the open electrode side
on the outside of the plug, you would screw the plug in to the correct
torque value and note where the open electrode mark was. Estimating
the degrees of rotation off from the desired position (aligned with air
intake), you would select a washer with the specified thickness.
Taking the plug out, you'd slide the washer onto the plug, then reseat
the plug by re-torquing the plug to the correct value. When you
finished, all the electrode gaps would be facing the same direction.
With a mult-tip plug, there's a good chance that a tip will rotate to
the correct position and "index" itself - however, as the gap wears,
you will not have all cylinders aligned at the same time. In case
anyone is wondering if this works on the EV, my experience says no. I
ordered a kit and indexed the plugs. Since I keep close record of my
milage, I can say that I could not tell a difference, BUT if anyone
else wants to try it, I'll email you and let you know where you can
order a kit. I think it cost ~$15 or so.

A continous side electrode wouldn't work all that well because it would
shield the spark from the fuel/air mix causing non-optimal combustion.

Hope this helped someone...
Jerry

rbiege-@... wrote:
original article:

Todd,
I saw an ad for a triple side electrode Bosch platinum plug in the

most

recent Road & Track. Looks like more electrodes is the "in" design

these

days. Didn't this all start with a plug called "Split Fire"? Hope

they got

something for being the first! I really don't understand why more

side

electrodes are better except to guess that more arcs are better than

one.

Maybe someone can explain.

How about a continuous side electrode circling the center electrode

so the

spark can go anywhere at anytime?
Ron

Not wishing to drill the fiberglass poptop and unable to obtain full length gutters from Yakima I am waiting delivery of full length gutters from who I believe is obtaining them from Germany.? My understanding is that they fit between the poptop seal and the body seam just above the windows and doors.? My plan is to use the removable Yakima towers and bars with this gutter.? I hope all goes as planed.

Donald Newman? /? 1999 EV Weekender? /? Eugene, OR

kenneyvogel wrote:

In a message dated 11/8/99 7:36:00 PM, donaldnewman@... wrote:

<<Not wishing to drill the fiberglass poptop and unable to obtain full
length gutters from Yakima I am waiting delivery of full length gutters
from <Sklashley@...> who I believe is obtaining them from Germany.
My understanding is that they fit between the poptop seal and the body
seam just above the windows and doors. My plan is to use the removable
Yakima towers and bars with this gutter. I hope all goes as planed.

Donald Newman / 1999 EV Weekender / Eugene, OR>>

Donald and all;

I have these on order, and hope to have them shipped this week or next at the
latest. My supplier has been waiting for the rest of my order to arrive,
before we can ship.

The rail kits are very substantial and should hold up well. I had my
concerns since they are made of aluminum, but once I saw them in person, I
was very impressed. Most EV campers I saw in Germany had these.

This is going to be an interesting experiment as the gutter kits are quite
long, and I've had trouble finding a way to ship them cross country. My plan
is to place the gutters in a pvc pipe and ship the shorter wheel base kits by
Federal Express. On the longer wheelbase models, I've found a freight
company that will deliver them to most metropolitan areas. If you are out in
the country, you may need to pay more, or pick them up at a trucking terminal.

I have some other interesting items coming as well. I have a kitchen kit for
the MV and Weekender models. The kitchen kit is designed to be self
contained and easy to install and remove. The single cabinet installs where
your rear facing seat is behind the passenger seat. Hardware is included to
allow you to quickly remove the cabinet and store it when not needed. The
cabinet has a sink and faucet, water tank, and wast water tank. The water
pump is powered by plugging into your lighter socket. A single burner stove
using a small gas canister stows under the folding side table. I don't know
the selling price of these yet, or when and if I will have these available.
They will be under $1,000. I'll know more when I get the shipping bill

In addition, I have build your own camper books, German camping directories,
a new style bus tent, replacement black window vinyl kit, and a lot of other
little items.

Steve Lashley
'66 Westy
'74 Campmobile
'93 EV MV
<A href="></A>
314-614-0750
Importing German Side Tents, Carver Propane Heaters and other Accessories for
Bus, Vanagon and EuroVan

If any one is interested Wausau Imports has a new White ( what else)
EVC in. The sticker is not in the window yet only the transport sheet
and 10K + conversion sheet from Winnie. They can be reached at
1800-367-2890. Ask for Al Krueger and tell him I sent ya!

In a message dated 11/8/99 6:31:27 PM, RBIEGEL@... writes:

<<How about a continuous side electrode circling the center electrode so the
spark can go anywhere at anytime? >>

Or, how about a holigraphic electrode that is everywhere at all times without
actually being there.

开云体育

In side the black plug on the front bumper. It is a thermistor, and one
from a jetta should work. When the 2nd generation jettas had them they were
mounted on the drivers side fender behind the bumper.

Todd,
I saw an ad for a triple side electrode Bosch platinum plug in the most
recent Road & Track. Looks like more electrodes is the "in" design these
days. Didn't this all start with a plug called "Split Fire"? Hope they got
something for being the first! I really don't understand why more side
electrodes are better except to guess that more arcs are better than one.
Maybe someone can explain.

How about a continuous side electrode circling the center electrode so the
spark can go anywhere at anytime?
Ron

<My main question today: Does anyone else have trouble starting their
<van when it is already hot? I often have to try precisely 2 times when
<it is good and warmed up; the first time it will sorta cough and
<valiantly rumble to half-life, then stop-- then fire up instantly on
<the second try. What gives? I foolishly included my Charles Probst
<Fuel Injection manual when I sold my Vanagon. dumb, dumb, dumb.

Mine does exactly the same thing, and when it starts it emits a strong odor
of hydrocarbons, indicating a lean mixture. Do you by any chance have a
misfire under load at about 3000 RPM? I haven't looked into it yet, suppose
thats next after I finish with the furnace installation.

Well Chuck, I knew exactly what I was talking about and that is good enough
for me ;-)

Allstate offers auto insurance (collision, theft, the standard stuff) for
$500/year. You also get contents coverage with the policy. It is about 45%
of what a regular auto policy costs. My agent (and a very close friend) is
Ken Canada, JD 303-277-9120. He is a very good guy and not only has his law
degree, but was an adjuster for a long time. He knows his stuff.

At 09:43 AM 11/08/1999 -0700, Beaumont wrote:

The absolutely best coverage for the EVC (campers only). They classify it as
an RV and charge $500/year. My buddy is an agent if anyone interested.

Beaumont, such an intriguing message, but *what* is this coverage? Who are "they"? I'm definitely interested.

-- Chuck
========
Chuck Bragg, Santa Monica Bay Audubon

cgbragg@...
fax: 209-671-6396
========

The absolutely best coverage for the EVC (campers only). They classify it as
an RV and charge $500/year. My buddy is an agent if anyone interested.

Good afternoon to all,
Wondering if anyone has had a similar problem and if they know of a
correction, other than taking camper to dealer...
This is the second incident with this switch that is located on the front
dash. First time (July 98) I took it to the dealer and it cost $120 to have
fixed.
The problem is that I had turn the control to have air blow up on the
windshield to clean it off (defroster setting), I then turn the control to
have the air blow on my face/feet nothing happened, it's like something
becomes "unhitched". The control will work, again only on the windshield or
feet options. I have taken the front panel off or at least as much as I could
but I couldn't reach the part that controls the various options on this
control. Any ideas or suggestions.
Thanks In Advance
Sherril Booker

Seen in paper today a 93 EV MV is listed, the ad states:
"2.5L engine, Fully loaded W/ dual air and heat. Beautiful white
finish, Very nice well maintained unit, Supervalue, only $9,870"
It is at Dave Kasten Volvo 715-359-3638.

I have not seen it yet but there are only 6 EVs around that I know. If
anyone is interested I can take a look and let you know what I think.
Will probably look anyhow.

Kasten's is a small dealer selling Volvos and Subarus, and should be
willing to deal.

I installed Bosch W8DTC plugs, a three electrode
standard plug about 5K miles ago. There was a
noticeable difference in acceleration from the
Champions I removed (probably the ordinal plugs).
There are several plug options for the 93EV, but
talking to a couple of VW parts houses the consensus
was that the W8DTC got the most positive comments. It
also costs about half what the Champion plug costs.
After I purchased them I saw they were listed in the
owners manual as an acceptable plug.

Bruce





=====
Bruce Hecht
Corvallis,OR
<brucehe2@...>

***Help the campaign for mandatory labeling of GE foods***
Sign the petition:
<>
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Bid and sell for free at

Has anyone ever repaired the external temperature readout on the
overhead console? All I get on mine is ---C . All fuses are OK. Where
is the sensor located?

thanks,

Marty
Calgary
92 EVCV

So, since my water pump failed, and I had to replace my engine, I have
a complete engine which doesn't work, put have lots of parts to it.

Andy,
Just out of curiosity I was wondering what happened. I am surprised the head
gasket did not just blow. Is the head warped? Did the warning light come on
before it happened? My wife drove our Jetta Diesel for about 10 min after
the light came on and it is still running fine. How long did it take before
the engine was "dead"? Did you get a new engine or a rebuilt one? How much
did you pay? Did you have to get nwe hoses, and how much were they.
Since I am in the process of installing a transmission I was just wondering
how much an engine is. Did you get it through the dealer? I found some
rebuilt ones on the net but no prices were listed.
My next project will be the timing belt. I am wondering if I should not
replace the water pump while I am at it. On my Jetta they usually last about
60 000 miles (I am on my 3rd one). What is the average life of a water pump?

Good luck with your new engine . . .
Eckhard

So, since my water pump failed, and I had to replace my engine, I have
a complete engine which doesn't work, put have lots of parts to it.

I have the engine, with full wiring harness, and lot's more. If
somebody's interested or needs part write to me at xtassy@...
Andy

I am on my second set of Bosch Platinum plugs in my 93 Eurovan. Put about
70,000 miles on the first set and only changed them because of the miles I
had accumulated. They did show wear with larger gap than the new ones but the
van was running and starting fine. I did not notice any difference in how the
van starts or runs with the new set. I did consider, for a very short time
because of the cost, the more expensive Bosch plug but since I was very happy
with the single electrode, stayed with them.

John P. Donahue
93 Eurovan GL 117,000 miles
Greeley, CO

In a message dated 11/7/99 7:48:27 PM, RBIEGEL@... writes:

<<I assume you have the traditional single side electrode
Bosch platinum plug. >>

That's the plug. We'll see how well they hold up in the long run. I've
always run Bosch plugs in my cars and they seem to last pretty long.

Todd
93 EV GL
90 Passat