Judging from the valve noise, you have an engine or valve problem. Check
the valve adjustments and let the engine run long enough for the lifters
to pump up and things to quite down. This may take ~20 minutes and some
revving but as long as they are clanking, the engine will not run right.
Sporadic air flow will confuse the airflow meter. After things are
quite, perform both a compression and leak down test. These symptoms are
consistent with a defective intake valve. Retarded ignition timing or
swapped-defective wires may also be a cause. My first bet though is that
something is not right with the valve train.  Good Luck,

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
Of Steve Gough
Sent: Monday, May 05, 2003 12:59 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Find the gremlin in my 2.1L engine, and get a cash prize

Dear List,

After probably 70 man-hours of work and lots of consultation,
on a hesitation problem, my '86 Vanagon still won't run right.
I am at a loss, and am offering $100 cash to the winning diagnosis.
This is not a joke!  Open to all list members.

Yes, I know the list will help for free, and several already
have.  But a hundred bucks would be a small price for me to
pay at this point.  I hope it'll be fun, because it hasn't
been so far.  If you are feeling smart but not mercenary, I
will gladly give the prize to charity in your name.

Details at  http://www.emriver.com/vandemon.htm

Be warned that the Quicktime movie is kind of funny,
but is around 2.5mb in size.  And be warned that some very
smart guys have been stumped!

Thanks, and good luck,

Steve Gough
'86 Westy, Carbondale, Illinois