I experienced mystery engine cutouts one-or was it two?-summers ago, never found the problem. I am embarking on a similar trip on Wed a.m. and would like to see if carrying spare coil or hall sender might help isolate problem. Are these things available from a generic FLAPS?

Sent from my iPhone.

On Aug 6, 2012, at 10:30 AM, Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@GMAIL.COM> wrote:

> 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