[Vwdiesel] Braking -- engine etc. ( injection pump as a brake ? )

[Val Christian]

> with wax. I was out scooting around in the 87TD last night and noticed it
> hesitated as I banked off the freeway onto the sharp curve of the exit ramp
> at speed, but it quickly recoverd once straight and level again. 
> Could it have sloshed a glob of suspended wax into the pickup line from a
> colder part of the tank? Who knows.


My experience with this type of behavior points to the possible need to 
replace the fuel filter.  

High power requirements of freeway driving tend to press the flow on the
filter, over a long period of time.  During this time, if the fuel filter
is partially obscured, there is more air inducted through leaks, into
the fuel system.  This often results in a lower fuel level in the injector
pump, and is consistent with the symptoms you describe.  Idling, or lower
power operation permit more time per unit fuel, and the pump level restores
itself.  In an extreme case, you may find the car unable to exceed a 
certain speed or power level.  Attitude changes or inertial changes of
fuel may aggrivate the situation, like when on a sharp cloverleaf turn,
or a grade change.

This problem is usually worse when there is trace water precipitating in
the fuel.  The water, and attached wax crystals, act to clog the filter.
Emergency on-the-road remedies include diluting the fuel with kerosine
(in extreme cold), and heating the metal can of the filter gently with
a propane torch (very carefully) or a heat gun / hairdryer.

I hope this helps.

Val