More than likely this is caused by a problem with the O2 sensor or
circuit. In particular, bad grounds or a sensor that is weak. Also, make
sure the deflector is still attached to the sensor to ward off air flow
and debris coming off the left rear wheel. Yes, the sensor can get
fouled from stuff on the outside as the sensor element is exposed to
both the outside air and the exhaust. Rain, snow, and high speed can
cause the sensor to cool enough to stop it from working. It works by
actually measuring the difference in O2 content. Look at the oil
breather tower. Is there a ground wire connected at it's base? This is
the reference for the O2 circuit. Replace the crimp connector and
relocate this ground to something with metal on both sides. Oil and dirt
covered plastic make for a lousy connection. I usually use one of the
screws for mounting the fuel pressure regulator.

Hope some of this helps,
Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM] On Behalf
Of Christopher Pierce
Sent: Monday, February 10, 2003 1:25 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: that bucking syndrome?

this is my first time in here and after reading a few of the emails. i
think
i may have the same problem as others do with my 87 syncro vanagon...

after it's warmed up, it starts bucking, losing power, etc, but when you
turn the key off and back on again it is fine for another few
miles...i've
had this problem for about 8 years with this vanagon, but now it's
really
bad and i simply don't know what to do about it...i had the gas tank
replaced and it's been bad since that was done...and the guy who knows
the
most about my van doesn't have any idea what it is..

any solutions out there? i think i better sell it because it's simply
not
reliable any more...

thanks,

chris pierce