> Is VANAGON syndrome only related to 86-91 vanagons? I have an 81 that sure a=
> cts up like this syndrome is described.

I had Vanagon syndrome on my '87 when I drove it home across Kansas
in '01.  I know what that is like.

In my '81, I once had a problem crossing Nevada.  At certain points
on the throttle, it started cutting out or stumbling.  If I worked
the pedal, it would run OK.  There was just a point or two on the
"dial" where it faltered when I held the throttle at that position
for a period on those long flat basins on US50.

I took the cover off the AFM box and discovered some large fragments
of black crud (German tech term) on the wiper base, so I got a
can of air and a can of elec cleaner and blasted it and cleaned it
and put the lid back on with duct tape (Bentley ? page) and
all was fine.  Later I cleaned again and put the lid on with a
small bead of silicon sealant.

That was '99 and I've had no problems since in 60,000+ miles.
I advise you to check your AFM.

Richard