Try advancing the timing a bit.  Also, could be valve adjustment.  or a host
of other things, but if you have a timing light available, it's an easy one
to check.

Karl Wolz

----- Original Message -----
From: "Haavard Karlsen" <hkarlsen@C2I.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, July 08, 2001 5:29 AM
Subject: wasserboxer problem

> Hi
>
> I'm new to this list, and not an experienced car mechanic. I'm about to
> buy a 1985 model Vanagon/Transporter. The cosmetic condition is
> excellent, and the odometer shows 138 000 km, but I'm slightly sceptical
> concerning the motor.
> It runs nicely when idling, no ticking, just quietly puffing along. But
when
> driving the thing, it feels as if the motor does'nt respond correctly to
the
> use of the gas pedal, and the motor seems rather powerless in 3rd and
> 4th gear, especially when climbing a little.
> Any suggestions as to what this implies?
> Lots of thanks in advance!
>
> Haavard Karlsen