Mine did this. O2 sensor bad.

Unplug it and see if it runs. If so replace and go.

Mike
87 syncro 
SF Bay Area

On 11/2/08 7:49 PM, "Michael Hart" <mjhart853@YAHOO.COM> wrote:

> Just got back from a trip to the mountains in my '87 Westy, on the back of a
> AAA transporter....
> The trip up yesterday went perfectly. Coming back down California Highway 4
> today, after driving 40 miles, the engine just lost power and died about 30s
> later. It would start up again after a minute or two rest, run for perhaps a
> minute and then loose power again, run very rough & die.
> My attempts to diagnose the problem failed me (hence the AAA transporter);
> - Tried changing the ecu (I had a spare) - exactly the same. Waited for 15
> minutes for engine to cool down and tried again; exactly the same. Took a plug
> out - nice and clean. Engine compartment was dry and electrical leads & coil
> seemed fine (although it had been raining). Couldn't hear if the fuel pump was
> runing (too noisy alongside the highway).
> 
> Now the van is in my driveway, I'm planning my campaign to find the problem.
> My first thought is this is a fuel starvation problem, so I will�check/replace
> the fuel filter and fuel pump (& check there is no obstruction at the gas
> tank).
> 
> Do you think I'm on the right track or do you have better suggestions?
> 
> Thanks,
> Mike
> '87 Westy
> SF Bay Area
> 
> 
>