I had the exact same symptoms for a long time on my 90
Gl, which I'd bought new; various parts replaced by
the dealer, to no avail, under warranty.  An
independent mechanic said it was probably either the
hall-effect sensor in the distrib. or the ECM; he
replaced the Hall-effect sensor module and that seemed
to cure the problem.  That was about 5 years ago.

my 2c

Graham
90 GL auto country homes camper conversion

--- "By way of brent@vanagon.com" <DLCORTIN@AOL.COM>
wrote:
> Can anyone offer this guy some help?
>
> Brent Christensen
>
--------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> 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.

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