I don’t know that this would cause the problem, but it is one thing to check and a reminder anyway.  Air intake snorkel has not been discussed for awhile and I recently learned mine was junk when I thought I’d been keeping track of it.

So the snorkels can collapse which limits air intake and I’d been checking that occasionally by sticking my arm up the pillar or removing the louvers and reaching down the pillar.  No problem.  The liner can deteriorate and peel off, leaving bits of paper in the air filter.  I knew that and watched for that.  No problem.  So for a related project, I had the thing pulled out anyway and what I found was like someone had wadded up newsprint and stuffed in down the tube.  I don’t know how it got enough air to run.  The liner had peeled off not in bits but in large chunks that wadded themselves together to clog the snorkel.

Easy $20 fix, I just know the ol grey van is breathing easier.

From: John Rodgers
Sent: Tuesday, May 11, 2021 3:41 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Black smoke running rich

My new to me 1991 Carat which has been sitting for a couple of years is now
up and running, though not the best. It's running extremely rich and have
no idea where to start trouble shooting. Any suggestions from the list I
will certainly appreciate.

John R in Birmingham, AL