Can anyone offer this guy some help?

Brent Christensen
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January 30, 2001

To: info@vanagon.com
From: DLCORTIN@aol.com

We would sure appreciate any advice we can get on the following problem.
Do you know of any sites where we could post this? Thanks.

Vehicle: 1987 Vanagon GL Syncro Adventurewagen Camper

I bought this vehicle new and have driven it 324,000 miles.
It has had this problem intermittently ever since it was new.

Description of Problem

When climbing from the valley up to the mountains, the engine starts running 
rough and losing power. I have never been able to bring the vehicle in for 
service when this occurs, because it usually happens on long trips and rarely 
when driving in town. Here are some observations about this problem:

1. It usually begins when you first start gaining elevation, with the engine 
cutting out intermittently, and gradually gets worse if you go up to the 
passes.

2. When you come back down to the valley, it gradually gets better until it 
is running smoothly again, usually when we get back home at sea level.

3. If the vehicle is parked for a few hours in the mountains, it sometimes 
runs better for a while afterwards.

4. When it gets real bad, the engine will occasionally backfire, especially 
when decelerating. The idle speed becomes erratic and it sometimes dies when 
idling.

Repairs Which Have Not Helped

The vehicle now has 324,000 miles. It has always been serviced at a dealer. 
The following repairs made over the years have not solved the problem:

1. Replaced engine twice due to burned valves, at 246,549 and 298,622 miles.
Also replaced rotor, cap, and ignition wires at 246,549 miles.

2. Replaced Engine Control Module (025-906-022-D) at 285,273 miles because   
the engine would not run for more than ten seconds. I was told that the air 
flow meter harness was also replaced at that time.

3. Replaced Idle Controller (251907393D) at 246,549 miles due to erratic idle.

4. Adjusted Throttle Valve Switch at 201,643 miles.

5. Performed all recommended service at recommended intervals for 13 years.