O2 sensor or wiring problem. Trace it out. Check the ground. In particular, the syncros ground the O2 sensor at the base of the oil breather tower. Plastic makes for a lousy connection. I have also found that an additional ground directly from the alternator to the body makes a lot of things work better and the alternator no longer has to travel through the case and heads.

Dennis

----- Original Message -----
From: Adam Thacker <87westy@THACKER.CA>
Date: Thursday, July 14, 2005 7:28 am
Subject: Black Smoke and Poor Performance Intermitent

> 1987 Vanagon GL
> I am having the exact same problem as the person below but when I
> tried his
> email address it bounced on me if anyone has any Ideas of why this is
> happening to me or who Knows Neal Helfman's New Email address I would
> appreciate a reply. Like I say I am having the exact same problem
> as him I
> just have not replaced all the parts he did.
>
> Original post here.
> http://gerry.vanagon.com/cgi-
> bin/wa.exe?A2=ind9607&L=vanagon&P=R28890&m=25707
>
> Subject:      Help:87 syncro running bad
>
> I am the consequential owner of a 1987 Vanogon Syncro.  I need
> help with an
> electrical/ignition problem that won't go away for more than three
> months at
> a time.  My van acts like there is water in the fuel and runs very
> rich and
> coughs black smoke.  Power loss is evident and the idle is very rough.
> Every
> once in a while it runs wonderfully as if a mechanic were standing
> rightthere.  Other times the power loss episodes are erratic and
> random.  When it
> is acting up pressing the accellerator to the floor clears it up
> with a jolt
> of power and accelleration... let up on the gas and it starts
> jerking and
> coughing again.  It has new heads; alternator; waterpump; CPU;
> plugs; wires;
> cap/rotor; air filter; etc....   Help me!!!!
> My name is Neal Helfman and my e-mail address is;
> NHelfman@aol.com
> If you know of anyone who specializes in Vanogon electronic fuel
> injectionplease give them my name!!!!  I have $$$$$ to spend for
> the correct
> diagnosis!!!   Thankyou r
>
>
> Thank you
> Adam Thacker
> 1987 Vanagon GL
>