You said:In order not to keep refilling the archives with everyone's ideas
and opinions, for which I am grateful, is it possible to just receive some
posts from those who have actually "lived through" this with the results
of what you did to fix the problem? I am guessing there are multiple
variations on the symptoms, but hearing from folks who have actually fixed
their vans would be really appreciated.

I have lived through a vanagron syndrome probleman and that sounds like
your problem. Find yourself a friendly mechanic or go to a VW parts
department and order the standard "vanagron syndrome" fix for this problem.
There should be no mystery about what's needed. If I recall correctly, the
part is about $150. The installation is straightforward but I choose to
hire the work since I was already frustrated.

With th epart install betseen the air intake and the air intake mechanism,
(my description and memory is vague. let the mechanics do it. ) Anyway, the
problem never reappeared after installation. Never. And I get slightly
better milleagel
Good luck. You needly only a good VW mechanic. Others will not know what
you are talking about and may mess up the job. Insist on a VW mechanic.

Dan Roberts
89 Westfalia with 160,000 on original engine, clutch and transmission. it
runs great. Just needs a bit more oil than some. About 1 qt every 1400
miles. I just finished a 7,500 mile trip in the NW and now plan to go to
either the SE of the SW. Undecided, but that's OK.
Good luck with your repair and let us know the results.