I can vouch for that. Check the temp 2 -

The dealer sells replacements for $8 and it can be

Swapped out in 2 minutes [ you lose a cup of coolant]

If it is a temp 2 wiring problem - an ohmmeter

[ or better yet - a Digitool ] can help .

Details/ symptoms write up on blog
8/29, 9/22 , 10/15

Tom Myers
Rochester NY
90 Westy
91 Syncro
http://motsvan.blogspot.com

> From: Doug Fitz-Randolph <fitzr@SUSCOM-MAINE.NET>
> Reply-To: Doug Fitz-Randolph <fitzr@SUSCOM-MAINE.NET>
> Date: Fri, 10 Nov 2006 14:52:53 -0500
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Subject: Re: Fw: HELP!
>
> The erratic idle could be many things, but issues bad/intermittent contact
> in grounds, wires and connectors would definitely be high on the list of
> suspects. I personally experienced a similar 1100 - 3000 RPM fluctuation for
> no apparent reason... until one day I coasted in neutral over railroad
> tracks and the idle suddenly shot up to 3000. I went around the engine
> compartment wiggling wires until I found that moving the wires to the Temp
> II sensor (in the thermostat housing) affected the idle. Following the list
> over the years, the Temp II sensor has been implicated in numerous issues.
> Might not be the cause, but worth checking. I'm sure there are cold/warm
> resistance specs for this sensor in the bentley manual.
>
> Doug Fitz-Randolph
> Freeport, ME
>
>> A friend of mine is having trouble with his van.  Here I send the
>> email
> he sent me.  Let's see if we can help him.  I am puzzled myself.  Please, if
> you have an idea, let me know.
>> Zoltan
>>
>>
>> 1988 Vanagon Westfalia w/ Air Conditioning:
>>
>> History:
>> 2 months ago
>> Problem:
>> Engine would just die while driving and not restart until the main
> computer was tapped on.
>> Fix:
>> Replaced main computer with one purchased from GO WESTY
>>
>> 1 month ago
>> Problem:
>> Engine RPM's would just die, then pick back up while driving, seemed like
> an electrical / ignition problem.
>> Diagnosis:
>> Perfromed by German Auto repair Shop in New Orleans.  Thomasilav (504)
>> 368-1272 Ignition checked out fine.  I was told to look cloesely at Hall
> Sender.  Hall Sender checked out fine.
>> Told the Idle Speed Control Unit needed to be replaced.
>> Action taken:
>> Replaced Idle Speed Control Unit
>>
>> After driving van for 1 hour and turning on the A/C the problem of RPM's
> dropping and picking back up persisted, and then engine RPM's would jump
> eratically between 1000 and 3200 RPM's at any given time.
>>
>> Returned van to German Auto:
>> Asked them to replace the Hall Sender, since I had a new one on hand.
>> Drove the van for about 15 miles and original problem of RPM's dropping
> and picking up persisted.  Then idle began to act eratically again jumping
> from 1000 to 3200 RPM's again.
>>
>> Called German Auto told by them to order a new Idle Valve to have
> replaced.
>>
>> Can someone out there give me any indicationas to what may be going on
> with my Westy?  I am perplexed and, I think, so is the shop.
>>
>> PLEASE HELP!  Bob Barr New Orleans  (504) 250-0030