84 vanagon dies periodically
160k

At cold start, the rpms increase until I touch the gas,
and after I touch the gas the rpms drop instantly.  So
far so good.  However, after the rpms drop, the van
usually runs for a few moments until it dies.  While it
does run, it intermittently runs smooth, or rough, or
surging.

I was trying to isolate the cause of the intermittent
trouble this summer,  and finally decided to wait until
it got worse.

Well, it's gotten worse.

Now, the van dies even when I am on the road.
Specifically, when I approach a stop this is what
happens:

1)  Take foot of gas

2)  Van starts to slow down

3)  Push in clutch (before applying brake) and van dies.
    Red lights appear on dash (like normal) since key is
    still in "on" position.

4)  While still coasting at speed and in gear, let out
    clutch and VOILA!  Van comes back to life.

Focus on that last one, #4....  what will letting out
the clutch do other than increase strength of spark?

Within the last 12 months:
  New ignition coil/cables/cap/rotor/plugs
  Idle switch operation ok
  No vacuum leaks
  New few filter, I try to only burn good gas
  Injector cleaner regularly added to gas

Fuel pump has been quietly buzzing for 30k

THANKS FOR THE HELP!

Steve
E Lansing Mich
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