Checked, cleaned ALL engine and FI system grounds, I presume? Other
possibilities: Ignition control module (relatively cheap from Bus Depot or
Rocky Mountain), idle stabilizer and/or ignition wiring harness. We're
beginning to recommend replacement of this whole system by virtue of age at
this point. In fact that goes for the whole FI system as well, but there are
few people who can afford to...

No CU swapped out yet? This actually sounds very like a control unit
failure. You want a KNOWN good one (one that comes from a running van NOT
suffering from this problem) for test purposes.

Coby Smolens
Valley Wagonworks
VW Bus and Vanagon Specialists
"Intimately acquainted with VW Vans since 1959"

1535 SF Drake Blvd, San Anselmo, CA 94960
415-457-5628

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM]On Behalf
Of Greg McElroy
Sent: Monday, August 20, 2001 7:22 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Help!! 85 Vanagon Intermittent Problem

For over a year now I have had a mechanical problem with my 85 vanagon. I
am on my third mechanic and so far no solution. As much as I love my
vanagon (when it works), I am about ready to give up. You my list mates are
my last hope.

The problem is intermittent. It could go a week just fine and then happen.

The problem - I am driving suddenly I notice the power slumps, I push the
gas nothing, the engine just not quit right away it goes into limbo for 2-4
seconds then the dash lights come on. I drift over to the side. Put the van
in park, turn the key and is starts up just fine. I usually can drive to my
destination no problem. It might be fine for three or four days and happen
again.
Once in a while the van just won't start. It cranks fine but does not kick
over. I can leave it sit for 10 minutes or so try again and it starts, runs
fine for a day or so then any of the above can happen.

The following has been done:

1) New ignition switch
2) Rebuilt air flow meter
3) New Oxygen sensor
4) New cap and rotor
5) New fuel filter (check fuel no excess contamination)