Try replacing (or bypassing in a pinch) the fuel filter. The PO of my van
used a rag as a gas cap so all kinds of stuff clog up my filter and I
usually have to replace it every 3000 miles or so.

Hope this helps!

Don Preston
Seattle, WA
'87 Wolfy GL
~Betsy the Mp3 Bus~

----- Original Message -----
From: "Tom & Phyllis" <erikoyne@EARTHLINK.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, November 13, 2001 10:23 PM
Subject: They Only Write When They're In Trouble...

> Hello List,
>
> I'm afraid that's me in the subject line. I plead guilty (while trying to
> think of some typographic icon to show remorse).  @~(  doesn't quite
capture
> it.
>
> Tonight my Westy stalled and won't stay started. Happily - this did not
> occur moments before while careering down Southwest Trafficway amid many
> cars and few exits; Happily I was able to get to within a block from home.
> Happily - my four year old son showed stunning patience (and didn't fall
> into the engine compartment) while I reviewed the situation;
>
> Here's the scenario:
>
> Me: new Westy owner (10 months). Knowledge of auto mechanics = .0001 -
but
> I'm putting myself through night school at Vanagon List University.
>
> Vehicle: 82 Westy, 169400 miles. Multiple owners/modifications before me.
> The major engine modification was removal of the fuel injection gear and
> replacement with a Weber (I believe) single carb & 009 mechanical advance
> distributor. Last major overhaul was nine months ago - engine rebuilt from
> case up; carb rehabbed; fuel lines replaced but fuel filter and fuel pump
> untouched and might be original issue.
>
> What Happened: Cruised at 50 mph, slowed to stop, accelerated to 15 mph,
> accelerator failed to produce power. Engine stalled and I re-started,
> accelerated to 5 mph and stalled; restarted and drove one block before
> stalling for good.
>
> Symptoms: No past problems of this variety. No unusual
> leaks/smoke/smells/sounds associated with the breakdown. With ignition key
> at half-cock the usual ticking (fuel pump?). Starter cranks as usual,
engine
> turns over and runs 1-2 seconds before dying.
>
> What I checked/did : archives - hard to find the right keywords (stalling
> produces nearly 500 entries); attempted starts 10 times with varying
waits;
> throttle cable - ok,  Low on gas but not to empty but added 1/4 gal. gas.
> No apparent loose wiring/hoses. Visually checked fuel line from tank to
> engine compartment wall - nothing unusual.
>
> My guess: Stalling caused by fuel starvation at  -  filter? pump?  carb?
>
> List Experts - sorry about the length of this  - but I am sincerely
> appreciative of any diagnoses or remedies you may wish to share.
>
> Many thanks in advance,
>
> Tom in KCMO
> 82 Westy (stalled just 600 miles from another milestone)
>