Folks,

A bit of a puzzle -

87 vanagon- 40 k on rebuild
Just replaced the whole exhaust system - (that manifold is a PIA)
and now I get the following symptoms:

starts fine - idles for a bout 4 minutes then dies - no idle at all when
driving after a couple minutes - losses power/stutters after about 5 minutes
Restart it and it runs great for another 5 minutes..

So far I've switched out  (luckily I've also got an 86 syncro waiting
for a diesel transplant) the:

ECU

Idle stabilization control unit

disconnected the oxygen sensor

checked and cleaned the grounds in the driver side engine compartment

It has the vanagon syndrome "fix" cable from the dealer (thank you PO)

I checked the throttle switch per Bentley - it clicks when you move the
throttle linkage -

My guess is Coolant temp sensor - I've got one on order - I haven't
checked the resistance on the old one yet, though.

Anyone think it is the actual Idle Stabilization Valve or air temp
sensor?  Seems strange that it would run fine for 5 minutes then stall...

And if I was going to check for vacuum leaks - where would be a likely
culprit ?

FYI-I ran across a pdf of the 86 vanagon/syncro service training manual,
which has a good overview of the numerous systems - if anyone wants a copy,
I can email it out.

thanks,

chris