>> And I wonder about various things - take the temp sensor for the ECU,  -I
seldom find them to be bad, but has anyone really checked the resistance
according to the chart in Bentley ? these are just basic tests to perform.
<<

Once again it's cold and pouring rain outside again.  I'll take a peak when
It's clear. In order to test the temp sender to the ECU, is that something I
can do or do I need a special tool?

>> I've already said my spiel about old coils and weak spark plug wires. Has
anyone checked in the fuel filter ? <<

I replaced the spark plug wires this summer at the very onset of running
bad.  The fuel filter was changed when I put in a new fuel filter this fall.
Hmmm the coil. Being that they are $29 I will cruise up to the Bus Depot on
Monday and pick up a new one. I should just get a rebuilt AFM while I'm
there too.  Might as well get new plugs and cap and rotor too.

>> I NEVER hear of anyone considering the fuel itself. Could have water in
it, especially in the winter. Water in fuel causes all kinds of
inconsistency and weirdness,. Not Likely, granted, but it must be
considered.  <<

I'm going to stick with the electrical or vacuum issue. Since the van runs
fine at 40 mph or greater I'm thinking the fuel delivery isn't the problem
or could I be wrong?

>> How Vanagon experienced is your professional tech ? <<

Back in the 80's he was but mine is the only one he's probably seen in years
and I think he's looking forward to either me getting rid of the van or his
retirement, whichever comes first.

>> .  If the shop does American cars too, that would concern me.  A 20 year
old Vanagon to a shop that works on 'just everything' and lots of 2000
something year model Hondas and American cars, a 20 year old Vanagon could
be a major mind-challenge to them.   <<

My guy (single mechanic) used to just be VW's (and was THE VW transmission
rebuilder in the area during the 70's) but he does few VW's these days. He's
also moved into the "just keep it running" mode as apposed to investigating
problems. I DID take it to another shop 45 min NE of me last week who
supposedly specializes in these things. They fixed all my ground wires,
reset the C02, timing, etc. but handed it back to me literally running worse
than when I brought it there.  Anyway, it's going to my mechanics next week
to replace the exhaust pipe and I can give him a list of things the list
members have recommended that I can't do myself like the compression test.

>> Seems more and more you need a vanagon specialist. <<

I'm about 30 minutes North of Gene's Foreign Car Service in Broomall, PA. I
have not tried them yet but they get good reviews. They will be next after
my mechanic gets it.

Thanks again for your help.

Bryan