A few days ago I reported losing power when going up any incline, no matter
how steep.  Going down hill was no problem and neither was flat ground.  I
did not lose power slowly, but rather it felt like I'd reached the end of a
bungie cord.  I'd wait a second, then start up, and a couple seconds it
would happen again.  After the crest of the hill, no problem.

There were several suggestions including crud in the gas tank, water in the
fuel filter, crud in the exhaust system, and loose electrical or vacuum
connections, all of which, supposedly, could be affected by gravity moving
stuff around.  The gas tank was half full of some *cheap* gas.  After the
problem arose I added one bottle of gas line antifeeze and another of a fuel
cleaner/antifreeze combo, and tanked up with some premium gas.

And the answer seems to have been fuel-related.

Although the fuel filter had only 3 months and 5k or so, it was pretty
restricted.  I replaced that and then ran the standard fuel pump output
test.  My collection container had 3 or 4 noticeable cruddy pieces, although
they might have fallen in after getting knocked off the engine by the
collection hose wriggling around.

Anyway, I put it back together and drove for 4 miles with the problem
cropping up some more, and then Voila!  No more problem.

So far.  Going on 50 miles and holding my breath.

Even if the cheap gas was crummy or there was ice in the line, I suspect
crud in the tank might be the root cause.
Comments?

Steve E
84 Vanagon
Lansing Mich

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