a clogged cat sure will create a big problem....
though it's not that common, and maybe your symptoms don't quite match  a
clogged cat, , but it's one of the things that must be considered.

I have seen them intermittently clogged, and I have seen a gas tank
intermittently restricted in the fuel pick up.
Hopefully your condition is consistent, and not that hard to find.

I always carry a spare set of components, - ecu, distributor, temp sensor,
air flow meter , fuel pump, fuel filter, the Bentley manual, a NOID light,
and some tools. I get the parts at pic n' pull junk yards, and try them out
right away on my van, then mark a letter or number on them,  on them like
'number 2'  so I know which one is which.  That really gives you a good
chance to troubleshoot and keep on a movin'.
  also.....it's interesting to note which air mass meter, which temp sensor,
which ecu etc makes your van run a little better than the other one.
I would check ignition first, for  spark.
for a no start I find lack of ignition the most common reason, probably
followed by fuel delivery/pressure/pump/filter.

and check connections everywhere.
I don't think I know what year van this is yet ..........??
Scott
www.turbovans.com

----- Original Message -----
From: "Mark Drexler" <mdrexler@ZING-NET.CA>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Saturday, January 23, 2010 6:36 PM
Subject: FW: STRANDED in South Florida - NEED TECH HELP

> Thanks for your input. I have a bunch of things to check now.
>
> I do know that I have an exhaust leak between the exhaust pipes and the
> exhaust manifold ie before
>
> the cat, but it has been there for some time. Could that create such a big
> problem?.
>
>
>
>
>
> Mark
>
>  _____
>
> From: Mark Drexler [mailto:mdrexler@zing-net.ca]
> Sent: Saturday, January 23, 2010 5:31 PM
> To: 'vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM'
> Subject: STRANDED in South Florida - NEED TECH HELP
>
>
>
> Hi. Help needed. We are stranded at Homestead, Florida, where Hwy 1 heads
> into the Keys.
>
> 91 GL Westy doesn't want to go any further. Started rough this am, but ran
> decent most of day once completely warmed up.
>
> Just completed 1700 trouble free (till now) miles on new fuel injectors,
> fuel lines, plug wires, plugs, cap and rotor. Fuel filter has about 2-3k
> on
> it. Checked plugs this am, and they were a brown and dry.
>
> Now  just fueled up, and will start, but spits and burps, and can't get
> all
> cylinders firing on start up. Feels like a lack of fuel delivery to me.
> Getting more and more rough on start up last couple of days, actually
> since
> some heavy rains a couple of days ago.
>
>
>
> Suggestions on root cause or things I should check please, and does
> anybody
> know any techs around very south florida that I could track down???
>
>
>
> THANKS.
>
>
>
> Mark & Mary