Relay and ECU

1
Hello fellow Syncro lovers
2
I saw some ECU's at Stokers last month.

On Thu, Jan 21, 2016 at 1:07 PM, Peter Leolkes pleolkes@bigbutton.com.au [Syncro_T3_Australia] <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

Hello fellow Syncro lovers



My Van has now been off the road for a record three weeks.
After replacing several components my hopes were high as the van went without a hitch for a couple of days and then the same problem returned.
In my quest to solve this intermittent engine cut out/no spark problem, now I am trying to get hold of the relay that is in the black box above the coil. Not the fuel pump one, the other one for the ECU etc. Relay Part Number 321.919.505A.
From somewhere in Australia. I can get it from VAN Cafe but the cost of freight ($36 US) is more than the cost of the relay.

Also I am looking to get hold of a working ECU. Has anyone got one that I could borrow/hire to see if that is my problem?
Alternatively, I have been looking at purchasing one. As per attached. Does anyone know of any Australian based suppliers of rebuilt s/h ones?
I noticed that there is a significant variation between costs of ECUs from Go Westy, Van Cafe and some others.
What might be the reason for that?

I would be grateful for any assistance.
Thank You

Regards
Peter Leolkes
'89 Syncro.
Adelaide
0457 822 453





--
Cheers
Paul Dumais
Aerospace Engineer
3
Hi Peter,

ECU ... probably best if you stick with the later "D" version as used in OZ.

Join OZ kombi clubs and ask .... some members dismantle T3s from time to time.

Borrow from someone or else buy a local VW magazine from a newsagent, check the advertising for service/parts sources.

Tried local wreckers and independent vw service businesses?

http://stokersvwparts.com.au/index.html

http://www.mickmotors.com.au/index.html

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/riverwood/other-parts-accessories/vw-king-vintage-vw-beetle-kombi-parts/1018447716

http://www.vintageveedub.com.au/contact.html

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/search.php?submit=yes&type=text&section%5B%5D=57&keywords=ecu

http://www.van-cafe.com/home/van/page_1126_750/cooling-fan-relay-88-thru-91-ecu-relay.html

For shipping small items (up to 4lbs total weight) from Van Cafe, first email them an enquiry re shipping quote via USPS First Class Mail service instead. Should be cheaper.

Good luck. Cheers.
Ken





-------- Original message --------
From: "Paul Dumais paul.d.dumais@gmail.com [Syncro_T3_Australia]" <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com>
Date: 21/01/2016 2:08 PM (GMT+10:00)
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Relay and ECU


 

I saw some ECU's at Stokers last month.

On Thu, Jan 21, 2016 at 1:07 PM, Peter Leolkes pleolkes@bigbutton.com.au [Syncro_T3_Australia] <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com> wrote:
 

Hello fellow Syncro lovers



My Van has now been off the road for a record three weeks.
After replacing several components my hopes were high as the van went without a hitch for a couple of days and then the same problem returned.
In my quest to solve this intermittent engine cut out/no spark problem, now I am trying to get hold of the relay that is in the black box above the coil. Not the fuel pump one, the other one for the ECU etc. Relay Part Number 321.919.505A.
From somewhere in Australia. I can get it from VAN Cafe but the cost of freight  ($36 US) is more than the cost of the relay.

Also I am looking to get hold of a working ECU. Has anyone got one that I could borrow/hire to see if that is my problem?
Alternatively, I have been looking at purchasing one. As per attached. Does anyone know of any Australian based suppliers of rebuilt s/h ones?
I noticed that there is a significant variation between costs of ECUs from Go Westy, Van Cafe and some others.
What might  be the reason for that?

I would be grateful for any assistance.
Thank You

Regards
Peter Leolkes
'89 Syncro.
Adelaide
0457 822 453





--
Cheers
Paul Dumais
Aerospace Engineer

4
Thank you for these suggestions Ken. Greatly appreciated.
I have joined a Kombi online forum as well as the samba and emailed Stokers who said they have a working ECU ("working when pulled") for $350 plus freight.
Van Cafe have said that there shipping to Australia costs have recently increased and can't do any better.
Thanks to you Ken, I have several choices of ECUs to buy for a range of prices.
I would prefer one that has been rebuilt and not just working when pulled however.

A question to members.

Both Van Cafe and Go Westy claim that their ECUs are REBUILT.

Yet Go Westy's price is US$780 (incl. US$400 core charge) and Van Cafe's price is US$350 (incl. US$125 core charge).

Why the large discrepancy? Any ideas?

Thanks again for taking the time Ken.

Regards
Peter Leolkes
'89 Syncro
ADELAIDE
 
On 21/01/2016, at 4:22 PM, unclekenz unclekenz@hotmail.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:

 

Hi Peter,

ECU ... probably best if you stick with the later "D" version as used in OZ.

Join OZ kombi clubs and ask .... some members dismantle T3s from time to time.

Borrow from someone or else buy a local VW magazine from a newsagent, check the advertising for service/parts sources.

Tried local wreckers and independent vw service businesses?






http://www.van-cafe.com/hom e/van/page_1126_750/cooling-fan-relay-88-thru-91-ecu-relay.html

For shipping small items (up to 4lbs total weight) from Van Cafe, first email them an enquiry re shipping quote via USPS First Class Mail service instead. Should be cheaper.

Good luck. Cheers.
Ken





-------- Original message --------
From: "Paul Dumais paul.d.dumais@gmail.com [Syncro_T3_Australia]" <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com>
Date: 21/01/2016 2:08 PM (GMT+10:00)
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Relay and ECU


 

I saw some ECU's at Stokers last month.

On Thu, Jan 21, 2016 at 1:07 PM, Peter Leolkes pleolkes@bigbutton.com.au [Syncro_T3_Australia] <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com> wrote:
 

Hello fellow Syncro lovers



My Van has now been off the road for a record three weeks.
After replacing several components my hopes were high as the van went without a hitch for a couple of days and then the same problem returned.
In my quest to solve this intermittent engine cut out/no spark problem, now I am trying to get hold of the relay that is in the black box above the coil. Not the fuel pump one, the other one for the ECU etc. Relay Part Number 321.919.505A.
From somewhere in Australia. I can get it from VAN Cafe but the cost of freight  ($36 US) is more than the cost of the relay.

Also I am looking to get hold of a working ECU. Has anyone got one that I could borrow/hire to see if that is my problem?
Alternatively, I have been looking at purchasing one. As per attached. Does anyone know of any Australian based suppliers of rebuilt s/h ones?
I noticed that there is a significant variation between costs of ECUs from Go Westy, Van Cafe and some others.
What might  be the reason for that?

I would be grateful for any assistance.
Thank You

Regards
Peter Leolkes
'89 Syncro.
Adelaide
0457 822 453





--
Cheers
Paul Dumais
Aerospace Engineer



5

Peter,

I have found it next to impossible to pin anyone down on the question of what is done to constitute a ‘rebuilt’ ECU.  When I first got my Syncro, there was a question about the function of the ECU.  It was sent to a place in Melbourne that specializes in ECUs and charged plenty just to look at an ECU.  Mine came back accompanied by a “test report” that said absolutely nothing.  It did not say if any fault had been found and, if so, what had been done about it.  All it had was a series of boxes with ticks in them.  Nonetheless, the bill was eye-watering!

So far, I haven’t found any answers that are anything more than sales gobbledegook.

Les

 

A question to members.

 

Both Van Cafe and Go Westy claim that their ECUs are REBUILT.

 

Yet Go Westy's price is US$780 (incl. US$400 core charge) and Van Cafe's price is US$350 (incl. US$125 core charge).

 

Why the large discrepancy? Any ideas?

 

Thanks again for taking the time Ken.

 

Regards

Peter Leolkes

'89 Syncro

ADELAIDE

 

6
Hi Peter,
Over the years, I don't recall any OZ forum member having a Triumph Adler ECU. Always been Bosch. Maybe TA is peculiar to US and elsewhere.
My experience following The Samba, Bosch "D" version ECUs can range from $US100 through to beyond $US300 used + shipping.
I find The Samba to be a very useful and convenient source of components. One just needs to learn the system, get e feel for the sellers, communicate with them first, check their feedback from other customers and only buy from those offering paypal payment. Bargains do come up from time to time, you just need to be patient and move fast when an item you want appears.

Stokers price is ludicrous.

Cheers.
Ken





-------- Original message --------
From: "Peter Leolkes pleolkes@bigbutton.com.au [Syncro_T3_Australia]" <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com>
Date: 24/01/2016 12:34 PM (GMT+10:00)
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Relay and ECU


 

Thank you for these suggestions Ken. Greatly appreciated.

I have joined a Kombi online forum as well as the samba and emailed Stokers who said they have a working ECU ("working when pulled") for $350 plus freight.
Van Cafe have said that there shipping to Australia costs have recently increased and can't do any better.
Thanks to you Ken, I have several choices of ECUs to buy for a range of prices.
I would prefer one that has been rebuilt and not just working when pulled however.

A question to members.

Both Van Cafe and Go Westy claim that their ECUs are REBUILT.

Yet Go Westy's price is US$780 (incl. US$400 core charge) and Van Cafe's price is US$350 (incl. US$125 core charge).

Why the large discrepancy? Any ideas?

Thanks again for taking the time Ken.

Regards
Peter Leolkes
'89 Syncro
ADELAIDE
 
On 21/01/2016, at 4:22 PM, unclekenz unclekenz@hotmail.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:

 

Hi Peter,

ECU ... probably best if you stick with the later "D" version as used in OZ.

Join OZ kombi clubs and ask .... some members dismantle T3s from time to time.

Borrow from someone or else buy a local VW magazine from a newsagent, check the advertising for service/parts sources.

Tried local wreckers and independent vw service businesses?






http://www.van-cafe.com/hom e/van/page_1126_750/cooling-fan-relay-88-thru-91-ecu-relay.html

For shipping small items (up to 4lbs total weight) from Van Cafe, first email them an enquiry re shipping quote via USPS First Class Mail service instead. Should be cheaper.

Good luck. Cheers.
Ken





-------- Original message --------
From: "Paul Dumais paul.d.dumais@gmail.com [Syncro_T3_Australia]" <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com>
Date: 21/01/2016 2:08 PM (GMT+10:00)
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Relay and ECU


 

I saw some ECU's at Stokers last month.

On Thu, Jan 21, 2016 at 1:07 PM, Peter Leolkes pleolkes@bigbutton.com.au [Syncro_T3_Australia] <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com> wrote:
 

Hello fellow Syncro lovers



My Van has now been off the road for a record three weeks.
After replacing several components my hopes were high as the van went without a hitch for a couple of days and then the same problem returned.
In my quest to solve this intermittent engine cut out/no spark problem, now I am trying to get hold of the relay that is in the black box above the coil. Not the fuel pump one, the other one for the ECU etc. Relay Part Number 321.919.505A.
From somewhere in Australia. I can get it from VAN Cafe but the cost of freight  ($36 US) is more than the cost of the relay.

Also I am looking to get hold of a working ECU. Has anyone got one that I could borrow/hire to see if that is my problem?
Alternatively, I have been looking at purchasing one. As per attached. Does anyone know of any Australian based suppliers of rebuilt s/h ones?
I noticed that there is a significant variation between costs of ECUs from Go Westy, Van Cafe and some others.
What might  be the reason for that?

I would be grateful for any assistance.
Thank You

Regards
Peter Leolkes
'89 Syncro.
Adelaide
0457 822 453





--
Cheers
Paul Dumais
Aerospace Engineer



7
Les
You are probably aware of GoWesty definition of 'rebuilt' as expressed on their web site.
"Our rebuilt ECU's are not just wiped down, tested, and labeled. We have found from experience what commonly goes bad in these suckers, and they are fixed to better than new. ALL old, brittle original solder on EVERY internal component is removed and re-soldered. Common failure electronic components, whether they test good or bad, are replaced. Then the unit is tested on a test bench. We are so confident in this product, and feel it provides enough added reliability that every Vanagon we sell includes one of these suckers."
Which I guess can be described as sales gobbledegook.
I have asked Van Cafe to let me know what they do to the ECUs to rebuild them and am awaiting an answer.
I keep reading that at times the soldering in the ECU fails and although invisible to the naked eye causes the ECU to intermittently malfunction.
I am assuming that to rebuild would include re soldering all joints inside the ECU. I haven't looked inside one so have no clue what it looks like.

Regards
Peter  Leolkes





On 24/01/2016, at 1:43 PM, 'Leslie Harris' leslieharris@optusnet.com.au [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:

 

Peter,

I have found it next to impossible to pin anyone down on the question of what is done to constitute a ‘rebuilt’ ECU.  When I first got my Syncro, there was a question about the function of the ECU.  It was sent to a place in Melbourne that specializes in ECUs and charged plenty just to look at an ECU.  Mine came back accompanied by a “test report” that said absolutely nothing.  It did not say if any fault had been found and, if so, what had been done about it.  All it had was a series of boxes with ticks in them.  Nonetheless, the bill was eye-watering!

So far, I haven’t found any answers that are anything more than sales gobbledegook.

Les

 

A question to members.

 

Both Van Cafe and Go Westy claim that their ECUs are REBUILT.

 

Yet Go Westy's price is US$780 (incl. US$400 core charge) and Van Cafe's price is US$350 (incl. US$125 core charge).

 

Why the large discrepancy? Any ideas?

 

Thanks again for taking the time Ken.

 

Regards

Peter Leolkes

'89 Syncro

ADELAIDE

 



8
I have about 5 of these sitting in the back of my van, make me an offer for one.


On Sunday, 24 January 2016, 15:39, "Peter Leolkes pleolkes@bigbutton.com.au [Syncro_T3_Australia]" <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com> wrote:


 
Les
You are probably aware of GoWesty definition of 'rebuilt' as expressed on their web site.
"Our rebuilt ECU's are not just wiped down, tested, and labeled. We have found from experience what commonly goes bad in these suckers, and they are fixed to better than new. ALL old, brittle original solder on EVERY internal component is removed and re-soldered. Common failure electronic components, whether they test good or bad, are replaced. Then the unit is tested on a test bench. We are so confident in this product, and feel it provides enough added reliability that every Vanagon we sell includes one of these suckers."
Which I guess can be described as sales gobbledegook.
I have asked Van Cafe to let me know what they do to the ECUs to rebuild them and am awaiting an answer.
I keep reading that at times the soldering in the ECU fails and although invisible to the naked eye causes the ECU to intermittently malfunction.
I am assuming that to rebuild would include re soldering all joints inside the ECU. I haven't looked inside one so have no clue what it looks like.

Regards
Peter  Leolkes





On 24/01/2016, at 1:43 PM, 'Leslie Harris' leslieharris@optusnet.com.au [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:

 

Peter,
I have found it next to impossible to pin anyone down on the question of what is done to constitute a ‘rebuilt’ ECU.  When I first got my Syncro, there was a question about the function of the ECU.  It was sent to a place in Melbourne that specializes in ECUs and charged plenty just to look at an ECU.  Mine came back accompanied by a “test report” that said absolutely nothing.  It did not say if any fault had been found and, if so, what had been done about it.  All it had was a series of boxes with ticks in them.  Nonetheless, the bill was eye-watering!
So far, I haven’t found any answers that are anything more than sales gobbledegook.
Les
 
A question to members.
 
Both Van Cafe and Go Westy claim that their ECUs are REBUILT.
 
Yet Go Westy's price is US$780 (incl. US$400 core charge) and Van Cafe's price is US$350 (incl. US$125 core charge).
 
Why the large discrepancy? Any ideas?
 
Thanks again for taking the time Ken.
 
Regards
Peter Leolkes
'89 Syncro
ADELAIDE
 




9
I have one of the these open at the minute.  You would hope that GoWesty re-solder all components for that price but seems on the high-side and perhaps unnecessary I would have thought. I very much doubt there is much that they can do inside the ECU chip itself (under the metal cover in the photo). Could all be sales gumph.

This is old technology so it is not rocket science in there. Any electronics shop should be able to check and fix for dry joints or dodgy components if yours is playing up.



-- 
Jon Bartlett
0424006192

On 24 January 2016 at 4:39:07 pm, Peter Leolkes pleolkes@bigbutton.com.au [Syncro_T3_Australia] (syncro_t3_australia@yahoogroups.com) wrote:

 

Les

You are probably aware of GoWesty definition of 'rebuilt' as expressed on their web site.
"Our rebuilt ECU's are not just wiped down, tested, and labeled. We have found from experience what commonly goes bad in these suckers, and they are fixed to better than new. ALL old, brittle original solder on EVERY internal component is removed and re-soldered. Common failure electronic components, whether they test good or bad, are replaced. Then the unit is tested on a test bench. We are so confident in this product, and feel it provides enough added reliability that every Vanagon we sell includes one of these suckers."
Which I guess can be described as sales gobbledegook.
I have asked Van Cafe to let me know what they do to the ECUs to rebuild them and am awaiting an answer.
I keep reading that at times the soldering in the ECU fails and although invisible to the naked eye causes the ECU to intermittently malfunction.
I am assuming that to rebuild would include re soldering all joints inside the ECU. I haven't looked inside one so have no clue what it looks like.

Regards
Peter  Leolkes



On 24/01/2016, at 1:43 PM, 'Leslie Harris' leslieharris@optusnet.com.au [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:

 

Peter,

I have found it next to impossible to pin anyone down on the question of what is done to constitute a ‘rebuilt’ ECU.  When I first got my Syncro, there was a question about the function of the ECU.  It was sent to a place in Melbourne that specializes in ECUs and charged plenty just to look at an ECU.  Mine came back accompanied by a “test report” that said absolutely nothing.  It did not say if any fault had been found and, if so, what had been done about it.  All it had was a series of boxes with ticks in them.  Nonetheless, the bill was eye-watering!

So far, I haven’t found any answers that are anything more than sales gobbledegook.

Les

 

A question to members.

 

Both Van Cafe and Go Westy claim that their ECUs are REBUILT.

 

Yet Go Westy's price is US$780 (incl. US$400 core charge) and Van Cafe's price is US$350 (incl. US$125 core charge).

 

Why the large discrepancy? Any ideas?

 

Thanks again for taking the time Ken.

 

Regards

Peter Leolkes

'89 Syncro

ADELAIDE

 



10

Peter,

I did read that earlier but it is a bit on the vague side.  They make much of the fact that they re-solder everything but that just isn’t a major issue with today’s electronics.  It was an issue before the days of pin point soldering and it was usually caused by the thermal expansion differential between dissimilar metals.

They don’t say what they are testing against and there is no mention of a warranty, so there is not a lot of information to work on. 

Les

 

From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com [mailto: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com ]
Sent: 24 January 2016 16:38
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Relay and ECU

Les

You are probably aware of GoWesty definition of 'rebuilt' as expressed on their web site.

"Our rebuilt ECU's are not just wiped down, tested, and labeled. We have found from experience what commonly goes bad in these suckers, and they are fixed to better than new. ALL old, brittle original solder on EVERY internal component is removed and re-soldered. Common failure electronic components, whether they test good or bad, are replaced. Then the unit is tested on a test bench. We are so confident in this product, and feel it provides enough added reliability that every Vanagon we sell includes one of these suckers."

11
It appears that Paul has left Muller & Muller, has anyone his contact details.
Bob Dale
 
Sent: Thursday, January 21, 2016 1:07 PM
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Relay and ECU [1 Attachment]
 
 

Hello fellow Syncro lovers


My Van has now been off the road for a record three weeks.
After replacing several components my hopes were high as the van went without a hitch for a couple of days and then the same problem returned.
In my quest to solve this intermittent engine cut out/no spark problem, now I am trying to get hold of the relay that is in the black box above the coil. Not the fuel pump one, the other one for the ECU etc. Relay Part Number 321.919.505A.
From somewhere in Australia. I can get it from VAN Cafe but the cost of freight  ($36 US) is more than the cost of the relay.

Also I am looking to get hold of a working ECU. Has anyone got one that I could borrow/hire to see if that is my problem?
Alternatively, I have been looking at purchasing one. As per attached. Does anyone know of any Australian based suppliers of rebuilt s/h ones?
I noticed that there is a significant variation between costs of ECUs from Go Westy, Van Cafe and some others.
What might  be the reason for that?

I would be grateful for any assistance.
Thank You

Regards
Peter Leolkes
'89 Syncro.
Adelaide
0457 822 453

12
Hi Bob, see here

Contact us

 



Sam
13
Thankyou.
Bob
 
Sent: Thursday, January 28, 2016 10:22 AM
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Re: Paul Muller
 
 

Hi Bob, see here

Contact us

 



Sam