Almost sounds like the 'mystery miss' that haunted
my 1990 & 1991 vans.  VW developed an electronic harness
to 'bypass' the mass air flow meter and it seems to have
taken care of it.    It almost acts like a pacemaker!!
If you want a bit more details, let me
know.  babahug@hotmail.com

>From: brent@vanagon.com
>To: <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
>CC: <vanagon@yahoogroups.com>
>Subject: [vanagon] Vanagon Engine Problem
>Date: Tue, 30 Jan 2001 18:31:53 -0800
>
>Can anyone offer this guy some help?
>
>Brent Christensen
>--------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>January 30, 2001
>
>To: info@vanagon.com
>From: DLCORTIN@aol.com
>
>We would sure appreciate any advice we can get on the following problem.
>Do you know of any sites where we could post this? Thanks.
>
>Vehicle: 1987 Vanagon GL Syncro Adventurewagen Camper
>
>I bought this vehicle new and have driven it 324,000 miles.
>It has had this problem intermittently ever since it was new.
>
>Description of Problem
>
>When climbing from the valley up to the mountains, the engine starts
>running
>rough and losing power. I have never been able to bring the vehicle in for
>service when this occurs, because it usually happens on long trips and
>rarely
>when driving in town. Here are some observations about this problem:
>
>1. It usually begins when you first start gaining elevation, with the
>engine
>cutting out intermittently, and gradually gets worse if you go up to the
>passes.
>
>2. When you come back down to the valley, it gradually gets better until it
>is running smoothly again, usually when we get back home at sea level.
>
>3. If the vehicle is parked for a few hours in the mountains, it sometimes
>runs better for a while afterwards.
>
>4. When it gets real bad, the engine will occasionally backfire, especially
>when decelerating. The idle speed becomes erratic and it sometimes dies
>when
>idling.
>
>Repairs Which Have Not Helped
>
>The vehicle now has 324,000 miles. It has always been serviced at a dealer.
>The following repairs made over the years have not solved the problem:
>
>1. Replaced engine twice due to burned valves, at 246,549 and 298,622
>miles.
>Also replaced rotor, cap, and ignition wires at 246,549 miles.
>
>2. Replaced Engine Control Module (025-906-022-D) at 285,273 miles because
>the engine would not run for more than ten seconds. I was told that the air
>flow meter harness was also replaced at that time.
>
>3. Replaced Idle Controller (251907393D) at 246,549 miles due to erratic
>idle.
>
>4. Adjusted Throttle Valve Switch at 201,643 miles.
>
>5. Performed all recommended service at recommended intervals for 13 years.
>
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