Paul:

If you read last weeks postings by me you'll find I was having the same
problem. While poking around the engine, I found that two of my spark plug
wires were loose at the plug end.. I don't know if they vibrated loose, or
if I just wasn't paying attention the last time I worked on them. I pushed
them on tight and the problem hasn't recurred so far this week.

I was going to post this to the list , but wanted to wait an additional week
to make sure it was a fix not a fluke.

Hope this helps,

John
----- Original Message -----
From: "Paolo" <got_art@TELIS.ORG>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2000 4:10 PM
Subject: hiccups/hesitations

> Dec 19, 2000
> I sincerely would appreciate any help with this problem.
>
> '87 Westy
> 90,000 miles (drive about 4k a year- not used much-mint)
> Original owner (new problem -never happened)
> Checked rotor,cap, wires and installed new fuel filter and 3 cans of gas
> treatment (for water absorption).
>
> Symptoms:
> The van will hiccup or hesitate and lose power momentarily for maybe half
> a second, like a hiccup. I watched the tach when it does it and it does
> not go down to zero or fluctuate at all maybe when the hesitation is
> about a second it may drop one indicator line on the gauge. The frequency
> of this happening is now increasing- maybe once every 4 or 5 min.
> When it happens: Uphill, cruising and downhill with foot on throttle.
> Does not happen: Downhill with foot off throttle, 1st gear or at idle.
> Possible areas- let me know what you people think:
> fuel pump relay
> fuel pump
> ignition switch
> distributor pick up (hall?)
> air flow meter
> ECU
> I have the Bentley and a multi-tester, and fairly competent on many
> repairs. I can also cook!!
> Cheers, and TIA
> Paul
>