A couple of postings have passed through the list dealing with fuel related
problems on 70s vintage loafs/westys.  So, thought I ought to share my
experience with same on 72 Westy.  Albeit this has different engine, the
problem may be the same.  For a long time, my 72 would crap out after
heating up on a commute.  It acted like my slipping distributer had rotated
out of timing, so I would open the hatch & advance it a tad.  After this,
the bus would start and carry me and the carpool home, usually.  My not too
tolerant passengers told me that I needed a better solution, so off to a
local (non-VW mechanic) for diagnosis.  After 3 weeks, I finally took it to
a good VW dune buggy builder.  They immediately called it as a worn
mechanical fuel pump actuator.  The rod that actuates the fuel pump wears
the sleeve in the engine case to out-of-round, then sticks in the extended
position and won't return.  From that point on I ran an electric fuel pump,
and had many miles of faultless operation.  Meanwhile, I bought the 81
Westy (with tax breaks against my wifes business, hehe) to keep the carpool
happy.

By the way, this (lemon yellow) 81 is the subject of the posting "81
Westfalia Blues".  It was promised back to me Monday with engine #8
installed.  I should get it finally tonight.  My buddy, who used to race V
class (?) and hauled his veedub behind his loaf has taken an interest and
will go with me to inspect.  Expecting great things from this engine!