Try:  http://www.pertronix.com/home.htm  for points
replacement.  You'll NEVER have to get it times or
replace points for your trip.  For me, NO change in
dwell or timing in 20,000 kms.

Also try Darrell's digitool at http://216.92.120.77/vw/
Click on the Vanagon then Digitool 3.0.   This tool will tell
you how the engine is working electonically-speaking,
and will help diagnose problems.  If I didn't have carbs, I'd
have one of these. Be careful on digifont versus digijet.

Put a fuel filter BEFORE the fuel filter.

Use synthetic oil and correct-vanagon oil  filter.

Set up an account wit the Busdepot.com as you will be
ordering parts from them - eventually.

m2cw.  Malcolm