George... I had the same or similar problem... I called it shuddering rather
than jittering (semantics?).  Anyway, it only happened when going from a
dead stop into first or from a dead stop into reverse.  Like the drive train
was bucking or something.  Anyway, I ended up having a transmission problem
that may or may not have been related... had a broken pinion gear... when we
replaced that my mech noticed that the clutch was quite worn and we replaced
that too.  Now, no more shudder.  which fix made the difference?  Or was it
both?  Don't know, but just thought I would throw that out.  The problem was
actually quite severe and I could only avoid the problem by either not
coming to a complete stop before taking off in first or letting the clutch
out quickly... as it would only happen as the clutch came out.
And as you said, sometimes it was worse than others.

Sound like the same problem?  Don't know that I've given you any information
you can use, but there you have it.
Mick Kalber
89 Syncro Westy "Daddeo"
Tropical Visions Video, Inc.
62 Halaulani Place
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
ph. 808-935-5557  fax 808-935-0066
hotlava@interpac.net
www.volcanoscapes.com

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM]On Behalf Of
George Averill
Sent: Sunday, January 14, 2001 1:21 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Help solving the jitters when accelerating from stop (84 Vanagon)

  When I start accelerating from a dead stop (1st gear) the Vanagon gets the
jitters.  Sounds like a warped flywheel to me; but just wondering if it
could be oil leaking on the clutch.  I don't have the problem in any other
gear.  The problem seems to be worse when I am accelerating uphill from
stop.
  Some days the problem is worse than others.

  I had a new clutch and throwout bearing installed several years ago.

  I would appreciate any comments for solving this problem.

  George
  Columbus, GA

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