Hello.

Something always seems to happen the day before a trip, though I should be
grateful it's not actually on the trip.  All of a sudden, after about a 15
mile drive, the van starts running a little choppy, and getting shudders
when I try to accelerate, like it's flooding, and very little acceleration
happens.  Top speed was about 45 mph, and much less on slight grades despite
pedal down.  I made it home and checked the engine, it was extremely hot, so
hot that the rear bumper sizzled water.  There was also some steam wafting
up from the coolant reservoirs.  The engine was rocking more than usual as
it idled.  Coolant was full, oil was fine.  The auxiliary fan came on as I
parked, so I let the engine run until it went off.  No indicator lights had
come on.

Has the water pump gone, or is going?  Or the thermostat?  Would any
overheating cause the engine to run choppy, or is it a separate headache?

One time when the coolant had gotten low, and I had overfilled the oil, it
heated up and ran similarly.  I got the oil to the right level and it was
fine.

I'm about an hour and a half from decent service, so I'd like to get a sense
of what might be wrong and try to take care of it myself if possible.  If
anyone has any suggestions I'd really appreciate it.  Also, if anyone knows
of a good mechanic in Buffalo, Rochester, or Ithaca, NY please let me know.

I'll still do the trip though, in my wife's volvo and a tent.

Thanks.

Paul Holmquist
86 Wolfsburg Weekender
Alfred, NY