Especially for the air cooled engines you should not really be doing
extended climbs at low RPM. Down shift and let it rev. Lugging (when
increasing throttle does not increase speed) causes this engine to heat up
quickly and low rpm also means low cooling fan output. You need to determine
if your problem is loss of fuel or ignition. I believe your 80 still uses
ignition points and condenser. A bad condenser can cause loss of spark and
be affected by heat. The loss of spark from the points-condenser also
effects the operation of the injectors.

For the auxiliary air regulator these hardly ever go bad. Check to make sure
it is in fact getting power and check its resistance to determine that the
heater is not open. Be sure the wiring is not switched with the cold start
valve or thermal time switch. This device was used on a lot of vehicles. You
should be able to get something close or a good used one.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Gary Meier
Sent: Thursday, May 17, 2012 7:55 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Questions/Advice Needed 1980 VW Westphalia

I'm having an intermittent problem with the above vehicle quitting while
driving. Initially this was mainly when the engine had been working hard;
i.e. prolonged climb at the low end of the RPM range. Now it's beginning to
happen more frequently and under a variety of conditions. When it stops if
you let it set for 10-15 minutes it restarts and drives fine for an
undetermined period of time (now getting shorter). I've replaced the fuel
pump, fuel filter and most of the hoses on the fuel and intake system. Any
suggestions on where to look will be greatly appreciated.

I've also found that the auxiliarry air regulator is not full closing when
it's warm. VW says that this part is no longer available. Any suggestions on
how to by-pass this part or other work-arounds.