Problem solved!
I took almost everything apart, which basically gave me the opportunity
to clean and shine everything  ... and to my embarrassment, I found out
that I hadn't plugged in one of the fuel injector connectors all the way
in a couple of weeks ago! So, the last couple of weeks I was running on
3 injectors! Yeap! I now know that you have to have all 4 injectors
connected ... ha!
The Van is running great again!
Idle is smooth & it got its power again when shifting gears.

So, if you experience similar symptoms, check your injectors.
Another symptom was the engine would jump when I would turn the A/C on.
I don't feel any difference now when I turn the A/C on.

Anyway, a good one of the archives!

gs

Georgios A. Stylianides, PhD wrote:

> Vanagon GL, 2.1, 1986
>
> This has been taking place for a while now ... those who remember my
> problems after the alternator burned.
> Anyway,
>
> Problem 1:  I don't seem to be able to smooth down the idle. It is kind
> of erratic and the engine kinda bounces around a bit. Even the people
> driving behind me have told me so. If you raise the idle, it runs
> smooth. Suggestions?
>
> Problem 2:  When changing gears from 2nd to 3rd and 3rd to 4th
> performance drops. Actually, changing from 2nd to 3rd, it feels like
> changing from 2nd directly to 4th. It works great and is very powerful
> in 1st and 2nd. In order for gears 3rd & 4th to change without losing
> much pick up, the RPMs have to be maxed out (more than 4,500rpm, beyond
> the green safety area). After it picks up speed, it runs smoothly but as
> strong.