Try disconnecting the idle stabilizer valve on top of the engine. Mine
makes my engine run like crap, so it's disconnected. If that doesn't do
it - disconnect the O2 sensor. A faulty O2 sensor will cause crap
running. Check for vacuum leaks. A place often missed is the crankcase
vent line from the vent in the case over to the AFM. I've found two of
these rotted out underneath, out of sight.

John

John Rodgers
Clayartist and Moldmaker
88'GL VW Bus Driver
Chelsea, AL
Http://www.moldhaus.com

On 2/19/2011 6:12 PM, John Goubeaux wrote:
> I'm on the road and several hundred miles from home ( southern CA) and
> my 90 Vanagon has begun to run bad. It is missing and has a serious
> reduction of power when under load. It starts up and idles, but is
> running real rough, no backfiring though. Its almost as if there is a
> fouled plug or bad ignition on one of the cylinders Or its running way
> too rich. I pulled the plugs and replaced them with clean re-gapped ones
> but no improvement. I inspected the plug wires and they are in good
> shape, almost new, so I doubt this is a problem, BUT I've seen a bad
> plug wire cause this type of behavior before. I cannot imagine that
> timing has changed. I should be able to limp back home as once up to
> speed the car runs OK and is not overheating and oil pressure is good.
>
> Are there any tips on simple things I can check ( while on the road) to
> at least eliminate any other obvious possibilities?
>
> Thanks for any suggestions!
>
> -john
>
>