Well,
I knew that if I posted that I'd experienced most of the problems mentioned
on the list, that I'd jinx myself.....

On the way home today, (luckily, about 1/2 mile from the house) I got behind
a large truck and started smelling a funny smell.  OF COURSE, IT HAD TO BE
THE  TRUCK!  Well, the truck pulled off and the smell persisted.   Within a
few hundred yards, the '87 bucked a few times and died.  I hooked up my
Digitool (www.loam.org/vw ) to see what was going on and saw everything but
the fuel pump.  Interestingly, the pump comes on when you turn off the key.
Upon inspection, I found that the wire from the power steering pump switch
had given up its life all the way through the engine compartment harness,
taking a few others with it.

 I decided to repair my diesel's vacuum pump so that I had transport for
work and will dig into it tomorrow.

The interesting thing about this is that I have seen other vanagons with
repaired harnesses.  Has anyone else had problems?

I am comfortable with electronics and wiring so I don't expect it to be too
traumatic, but I sure wish I didn't have to hack up the harness.  Just won't
look as nice when I'm under the covers anymore.  I guess that's what
marriage is all about..  :-)

For the good of others, I will post the root cause of the problem when it is
unearthed.   Maybe save someone the grief.

Mark Rokus
'87 GL Syncro Westy
'87 GL Syncro
'86 Syncro (hanger Queen)
'81 Westy Aircooled
'82 Rabbit Diesel