A family member called about their Vanagon. Ran ok for a long time but
recently ran it very low on gas. After adding some, it seemed low on
power and much worse up hills. Running smoothly, just low power and
getting worse as it is driven, barely making it up big hills. They live
at 6,500 feet and everything is a hill.

Thinking bad fuel or stirred up debris in tank he changed the fuel
filter, no help.
Checked compression, all ok.
Did fuel pressure and fuel delivery test, all good.
Unhooked intake snorkel hose to air cleaner, no help.

I suggested he look at the cat so he did.
All busted up inside into chunks.
Removed chunks, power back!

Coincidence, or did running low on fuel somehow finish off the cat? My
guess is coincidence but others have reported similar sounding
circumstances.

Mark