I suffered the same experience this morning when I started my '84.  It
was hard to start, wouldn't idle correctly unless I kept my foot on the
gas pedal.  Once it warmed up a little (it was 27F this morning) I was
able to drive it.  I got on the highway and it seemed very 'loggy'- I
thought the parking brake hadn't released- it needed a lot gas to move
and I could only do 65mph with the pedal to the floor.  It shuddered a
little or a lot depending on the speed and I could barely make it up
hills in 4th.  I also noticed my gas gauge dropping fast.  I made it to
work but was sick and started for home.  I stopped at Bob's (Grand Mesa
Imports, Delta CO).  He started the engine, listened to it for 5
seconds, opened the back hatch, and looked at the motor.  He found the
problem in less than 15 seconds!  It was a loose electrical connection
to one of the fuel injectors!  He reconnected it and the van fantastic
again!  He told me I was driving on 3 cylinders...

Lawrence Johnson wrote:

> Bob, the "dreaded Vanagon Syndrome" is usually cured (temporarily) by
> turning off the ignition and restarting. What you are describing
> sounds more like a starvation problem like a blocked fuel filter or a
> plugged catalytic converter or a dirty air filter.
> -Larry
>
> Bob wrote:
>
>> Here we go again, i beleieve i am falling prey to the dreaded
>> Vanagon Syndrome...- sudden loss of power on highway...- none or
>> lack of acceleration at speed- no response to gas pedal under any
>> conditions...- loss of speed on hills, gradual grade or not...-
>> being passed by trucks underload on hills...Bye the way i have less
>> than 5000 kms on new engine, 2.1LAny body have any ideas as to
>> rememdy or has any one used the Wiring Harness and is it
>> effective?TnxBob - 1990 Westfalia Multivan Vanagon
>> Nova Scotia CANADA
>

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