Hi Matt,

If you are hearing fuel pump noise, it usually results from a clogged fuel filter... or crap that got into the pump.  It is really easy to pull the fuel pump, and carefully drain out the gas to see if there are any signs of something getting past the fuel filter.  You can also pull the fuel filter and dump the fuel into a glass jar to check that as well.  The fuel system is a constant flow / recirculation keeping pressure on the system at all times, so the noise should be constant even at idle.

If you are having "bucking" or issues coming off of Highway to high RPM, you may have a vacuum hose leak.  These braded hoses can easily crack, you may want to pull each hose off, and check... cut them back 1/4", and re-attach.

Make sure all your engine ground wires are attached to clean, wire brushed metal.
Clean your wire connectors while you are at it, with CRC QD Electronic Cleaner.
https://tinyurl.com/y3hmrsql

Start with these easy things first.

Hope this helps!

Jack R.
84 Westy Wolfie, with 2.1l motor
Owned since 1987

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of VW Vanagon
Sent: Tuesday, August 25, 2020 12:10 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: '88 Westy Bucking / Stalling

While I'm gaining knowledge and experience every day, I'm still very much a
newb when it comes to diagnostics. That said, I hope this is going to be an
easy one!

Been noticing a tendency to buck and (occasionally) stall, most
specifically when coming off the highway (within 30 seconds of decelerating
from 70+ mph) although it has happened a couple of times when cold and
coming out of the driveway in reverse.

Recent new plugs, wires, distributor cap, rotor, filters . . . so my
inclination is to say the fuel pump is the culprit. Also noticed the fuel
pump is audible inside the cabin while driving (gut tells me that's not
terribly normal).

The only other immediate (easy) things that could come to mind would be O2
sensor or ignition switch.

Does this sound familiar to anyone?

Matt

Missoula, MT
'88 Westy, Ragnar Loafbrick