Had something very similar once.  Water in the gas, which would explain its
working after a "flush"

Kurt Grotz
Media PA

-----Original Message-----
From: Bill Knight [mailto:bill.knight@usa.net]
Sent: Monday, August 21, 2000 1:20 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Help '88 Vanagon Broke down, need oppinions

Sounds like a bad tank of gas.  I had the exact same symptoms on my
cross country trip in my '84 Westy two years ago.  I filled up as I
entered Kansas from the west at an Amoco station.  About 15 minutes
later, it started to lose power and it would finally barely run.  I
limped it to a truckstop at the next exit.  I did every conceivable
diagnostic and all systems were fine.  I eventually had the tank
drained and filled up with fresh fuel, and it ran fine for the rest of
the trip.  I don't know what was in that gas, but it sure made for a
miserable day during my trip.

Bill Knight
Raleigh NC

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
Of Kris Estes
Sent: Monday, August 21, 2000 10:53 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Help '88 Vanagon Broke down, need oppinions

Hello all,
While driving from Prescott, AZ to the White Mountains (220 Mi w/ a
few
significant climbs w/ heavy rain at times)I broke down pretty damn
close to
the middle of nowhere.  Here is how it went, I filled up with a 1/2
tank of
fuel and proceeded to drive the last 35 miles of my trip.  After about
20-25
miles I start to notice loss of power.  Have to throw it into low
(auto)
just to crawl at 15-10 MPH up pretty minor climbs.  I pull over and
let it
rest 2 times since it is about to die (really bogging).  The Van does
restart at this point yet just barely stays running without any power
still.
  Somehow I make it to within 1/4 miles of the nearest phone and stay
the
night.  Next morning, van starts once then dies and then refuses to
start. I
have it towed into town.  I replace cap/rotor, plugs, replace fuel
filter,
nothing. Here is something significant, I can remove the fuel filter
and it
will start but still refuses to start when the normal fuel supply is
in
place. My thoughts were either a bad tank of gas or possibly the fuel
pressure regulator??  There is one place in the small town of
Pinetop-Lakside that works on VW's.  He is open 3 days a week W-F so I
will
leave it with him. Anyone experienced something similar?  Would love
to hear
some other trouble shooting tips!

Thanks so much in advance and I will summarize what I find out!

Kris Estes

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