Start with the simple stuff -- check that the intake boot is tight on both ends and check your vacuum hoses.  The boot on my '85 worked loose and caused the symptoms you are describing.  The fitting on the boot end of the breather hose broke and caused similar symptoms but with a fast (1200-1500 rpm) idle -- also made a tremendous sucking sound!  Also check your full throttle position switch (I assume you have the two switch throttle body).

If the boot or the hoses are not the problem I'd check basic tune up stuff then look into other issues like fuel pressure.

Chuck
'85 Wolfsburg Westy - 'Roland the Road Buffalo'

In a message dated Fri, 16 Aug 2002 8:35:09 AM Eastern Standard Time, LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM writes:

> Date:    Fri, 16 Aug 2002 08:12:59 -0500
> From:    Steve Sandlin <vwcarlocks@HOTMAIL.COM>
> Subject: low power, no throttle response
>
> My '84 has been running OK, but had a strange one this morning on my way to
> work, and I don't know where to look.  Stopped at a stoplight, and the van
> almost died when I pressed the throttle.  Very little power, and had to
> "nurse" the throttle to keep it running to get it off the
> line.  Problem
> continues alll the way to work.  Any ideas?
> Steve Sandlin
> '84 Wolfsburg Westy
> '79 transporter
> '00 New Beetle