it's likely the idle control module is toast, I had the same symptoms and
replacing this fixed it. It's an unsealed computer that lives in a damp
environment under the right rear air intake (accessed through the
taillight). Find a shop or friend to swap one out if you can to test, they
are expensive:
http://www.gowesty.com/product/fuel-injection/23468/idle-control-unit---rebu
ilt-?v= 

Stuart

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
KI4TLF
Sent: Friday, March 2, 2018 11:01 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Won't stay running below 2,500 RPM

I�m hoping that someone can help point me in the right direction.  

 

To start with, it�s an all original �90 Carat, 2.1L waterboxer, automatic
with 165K miles on it.  It�s my fathers, purchased new and I�m trying to get
it in as good of shape as reasonable.

I�ve been replaced the power window regulator and motor.  Replaced most of
the drivers wiring due to door wiring, issues with the door locks and power
mirror.

 

It�s been several years, but only 8,000 miles since a complete tune-up, cap,
rotor, wires, plugs, air and fuel filter.

 

Driven it all week to work checking everything out.  Drove it to work
yesterday at 1pm, it ran great, idled and accelerated with fine.  Around a
45 mile drive at stop and go up to 65mph.  Came out of work, started it and
immediately dies.  If I keep tapping the throttle, it�s jump to about 2,500,
then die.  I can keep it running if I keep tapping the throttle.  Once I�m
moving if the rpms are above 2,500 it runs fine.  Up and down some slight
hills where the RPMs are above 2,500 and ran normal.   If I�m slowing down
due to traffic, or a stop, I have to keep tapping the throttle.

 

I was just looking over the engine and checking all fluid levels last
weekend, (all was good), so I looked around today and didn�t see anything
different.  Checked vacuum hoses, electrical connections.  All fluid levels
and couldn�t find anything wrong, but running the same way.  When tapping
the throttle to keep it running, everything sounds and feels normal except
that a the lower rpm it�s like you cut the key off.  Under a load as long as
the throttle is around �, it�s fine.

 

Any suggestions on where to start would be much appreciated.

 

 

Greg McKinney
SOAR � Simons Organization for Animal Rights
<http://www.soardoggyrescue.org> www.soardoggyrescue.org