Monday brain teasers!

Something is getting "heat soaked."  First suspect is the coil, and it's
cheap and easy to replace. I've had those same symptoms with old coils
before.  Likely an ignition problem, so work on that first.  If replacing
the coil doesn't do it the Hall sender is another suspect.   Less likely is
a weak fuel pump, but it doesn't get heat from the engine and they usually
just die.

Good luck!

Stuart
'85 Westy

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Arlene K Sondergaard
Sent: Monday, August 06, 2012 9:20 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: dies when overheated

1987 Wolfsburg camper hardtop, automatic.

We were N. of Mt. Adams about 4000ft  on a 90 degree weekend.
No warning lights came on but, I could see the engine temp was at the top of
the indicator light (riding high).
Driving downhill, the van suddenly dies.
We park, uncover HOT engine and let it cool for an hour.
It will start but not keep running.
By keeping the accelerator depressed it will stay running.  Right foot
accelerator- left foot brake.
A few miles later its running on its own.
All fine?
Head for home:  White Salmon to Washougal Wa  less than 100 miles.  HOT day.
Started loosing power a few miles from home- died  a block from home.

This morning it starts right away and runs fine.
What the heck?

Thanks for any input!
Arlene in Washougal