My 1990 Vanagon Camper did exactly the same thing in Alda, WY, many miles from anywhere.  After 2 tows - Gillette & Casper - the Casper VW dealership (only dealership in WY, probably are good VW mechanics in WY, but at time I didn't know where) found it had a 70% clogged fuel filter causing the problem.  Had installed a new tank & fuel filter 2-3 months & 2,000 miles earlier.

I suspect that I got some very dirty gas along the way or that the ethanol was causing problems with old plastic/rubber parts.  Maybe not, but fuel filter was clogged.

Mike Self
Cincinnati, OH
1990 Westfalia GL

Date:    Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:19:02 -0500
From:    Mark A Kippert <vanagon@KIPPERT.COM>
Subject: Re: Running rough, dies as temp gauge starts to register

Oops, dang, I always forget that when posting.

1986 GL, 2WD.

Mark K

On Jan 12, 2009, at 12:03 PM, Chris S wrote:

> If it's an '86 or newer I'd test the Temp II sensor.
>
> On 1/12/09, Mark A Kippert <vanagon@kippert.com> wrote:
>> I thought I had my problem solved after cleaning all my grounds and
>> repairing some broken wires. I also replaced plugs cap and rotor. It
>> was sporadic prior to the steps above then it cleared up. Now it's
>> continuous.
>>
>> As soon as the temperature gauge starts to register the van starts to
>> run rough, quickly looses power, then dies. I found that if I switch
>> the key off, then right back on it will run fine for about 30 seconds
>> then it starts over. As soon as I feel it running rough again, I turn
>> the key off/on quickly and get another 30 seconds.
>>
>> It doesn't matter if I'm driving along or idling at a stop.
>>
>> Since I got the van I've noticed that it takes a good 10-15 minutes
>> (or longer) to warm up. When warmed up, it's barely outside the
>> "white
>> zone" on the gauge. I had planned to replace the thermostat, but
>> can't
>> imagine this is the cause of the problem.
>>
>> It sounds like ECU is getting bad info from a sensor. Does this sound
>> likely, and if so, what should I consider first.
>>
>> I did try searching the database but it timed out.
>>
>> Thanks for any suggestions as to where to start.
>>
>> -Mark K
>>
>
> --
> Sent from my mobile device
>
> Chris S.
> Disclaimer: "Death and serious injury may occur"