Thanks to everyone who wrote with a lot of good tips and things to try.
My brother found that the sparkplug wires were resting on the frame and
tied them away from there. I don't know if that had anything to do with
the problem, but she started right up and ran fine today. I'm leaving to
head back to California today and I'm hoping she'll keep on running all
the way home.

Toni

----- Original Message -----
From: "Toni Rizzo" <toni@MCN.ORG>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, April 19, 2009 10:18 AM
Subject: Help! Stranded in Phoenix-Loses power and dies

> > While driving to Phoenix last night on I-10 from Tucson there was an
> > accident and a major slow down for about 10 miles. After we got past the
> > accident and i stepped on the gas, my '90 automatic Westy just lost
> > power and went from 30 mph to 20 to 10 and after creeping along died and
> > wouldn't start again. I waited about 20 minutes and tried again and the
> > same thing happened. So I got towed to my brother's in Phoenix. I tried
> > starting it this morning and she didn't want to start...sort of
> > sputtered. The second time I tried she did start but sounds weak. My
> > brother has the Bentley out now but doesn't really know anything about
> > these engines. Any ideas anyone? I just had a new O2 sensor put in 3
> > weeks ago before I left on this trip and she's been running fine until
> > now. The coolant looks good and the oil level is fine. Anyone in the
> > Phoenix area have any ideas? Is there a good mechanic here?
> >
> > Thanks!
> >
> > Toni from northern Ca
> > '90 Westy
>