Hi all,

My background; I drive an 87 Syncro tintop with 2,000 miles on a rebuilt 2.1 WBX. Fuel tank resealed and new fuel lines run. Coolant lines replaced as well. A few hundred miles after rebuild I developed a chronic excessive vapor pressure problem in the gas tank (vent lines most likely pinched on top of the tank) that was "solved" by drilling a 1/16" hole in the gas cap. Recently upon start up the van would idle at 1,800-2,000rpm for about 2 minutes but then quiet down. Another existing problem is that the power steering pump's high pressure banjo fitting leaks due to a crack. I also have an unreliable fuel sender and ran out of gas about three weeks ago. I may have noticed a noisier fuel pump since then.
 
Last night on my way home from a quick trip to Home Depot (about one mile) my van struggled to keep from stalling as if it lost vacuum or compression. 

This morning it started right up, but it revved up to ~2,200 rpm. Heard a rattle from the right head area (didn't put a stethoscope or stick on it). Noticed the usual water vapor that drips out the tail pipe was BLACK. I shut it down. The coolant looks ok and the oil on the dipstick looks ok.

Got any ideas on what to look at this weekend? I'll probably be getting towed someplace next week, my mechanical skills and tools are basic. Any recommendations for a shop near Rutland VT? I already checked roadhaus.

Thanks in advance,
Steve

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