Rap on the ECU with a screwdriver handle while it's running.  If it stops,
you've found the trouble.  Check those antiswaybar links.

Yrs,
d

On Tue, Mar 28, 2017 at 9:55 PM, John Lauterbach <john@jhl.mgacoxmail.com>
wrote:

> With a van that old, you have a choice of getting all the problems out
> now, so you minimize chance of needing a tow, or you have them fixed one
> by one as your van is towed into the shop.
>
> Van has a number of electric connections with fuel injection
> microprocessor and the various components of the fuel and ignition
> system.  Dirt on the contacts on both sides of the big connector that
> goes into FI microprocessor can create all sorts of spontaneous stalling
> problems.  My '84 was suffering from that problem when I bought it in
> 1997.  I was lucky that a mechanic found problem by accident.  Now I
> clean it a couple of times a year with CRC 2-26.  Time and money spent
> now to make sure all mechanical, electrical, cooling, and fuel systems
> now will save you much grief later on.
>
> John
> On Tue, Mar 28, 2017 at 9:21 PM, Roman Haag wrote:
>
> So, thanks for letting me in on The List.  Heres what I'm working with
>> ;)
>> 1.9 liter 83.5 Vanagon L.  I'm 5th owner, but clearly this one was
>> cared for by someone.  The last owner only had it for 6 months, but I
>> believe was the one that repainted it.   (I really think he was
>> flipping it to make some money)
>> Looks REALLY nice, but is just a 34 year old Vanagon.
>>
>>
>>
>> So happened just like that.  Was no more than 5 minutes from home,
>> having just left.
>> "Bang!", engine died, wouldn't start.
>>
>> Two other things to know...one, I just had the fuel tank vent lines
>> and seals replaced last week.  (Filled her up, no issues)
>> Two, I went over a speed bump at the bottom of 2nd gear...Used 2nd to
>> slow and went over what I thought was a wide & low bump.  (The ones at
>> my apartment are bigger and I take them in 1st)
>>
>> I don't recall whether it was the front or rear wheels but as I was
>> rolling over the bump I heard a really loud (especially so between the
>> building and the fence I was between) "BOOM"!...I thought for sure I
>> popped a tire.   But the engine died.  Odd.
>> I rolled to a stop and got out to look around.  Nothing in the road.
>> No popped tire.  Tried to turn her over and I got a sputter, like she
>> was trying.  After a little wait I tried again and got no sputter, but
>> just the starter turning over.  Turned over really easy like there was
>> no resistance against it. (Usually, it sounds like it isn't gonna roll
>> over at all, but after the first or second time it starts)
>>
>> So I had it towed to my mechanic (a seasoned VW mechanic who works on
>> little else than Vdubs...old one too.  Never saw a new one at his
>> shop)
>>
>> He called me today and said that he poked around the engine
>> compartment today, found only a couple of "air hoses" loose...not
>> disconnected just loose.
>>
>> Couldn't figure anything out and got in to hear what it sounded like
>> when it tries to start.  Thats when it happened...it started.  Don't
>> know why, or how, or why it wouldn't before, but it just started.  He
>> let it run for 45 minutes and it was still fine.  Tomorrow he is gonna
>> take it out and find some speed bumps and try to replicate my
>> experience.
>>
>> Anyone have any experience like this?
>>
>> Thanks again y'all.
>>
>> Roman aka Justsomekentuck
>>
>