Paul,

I had a similar problem with my '86.  Try checking the computer under the
back seat for a short.  While the engine is running,  push the computer
against the frame the see if it stops.  All I did was put a square of
cardboard between the computer and the frame and fixed the problem.  

Good Luck,

Charles Michaux
'91 Westy (31K)

PS.  The dealer said I needed a new computer for $700.00 to fix the
problem!!!!

----------
> From: Paul A. Cianciolo <PaulC@esslink.com>
> To: Multiple recipients of list <vanagon@lenti.med.umn.edu>
> Subject: Vanagon Cuts Out
> Date: Monday, September 02, 1996 9:24 AM
> 
> Hello Everyone,
> 
> 
> I have a 1986 Vanagon GL with AC and automatic trans and a 2.1iter motor.
> New motor with 10,000 miles on it.  
> 
> This Vanagon has a problem where after about 20 min or so of 60 to 65 mph
> driving it will cut out for about 1/2 sec then keep on going with no
trouble
> for a while (maybe a minute maybe 10 min.)  and then the motor will cut
out
> again. 
> 
> It is very abrupt when it does this. And when the motor restarts again it
is
> also very violent. This seems to worse the warmer the engine temp. 
Although
> over the course of my commute 1 hr+  it may do this once or twice or not
at all.
> 
> 
> I read on the list about wiring harnesses and such but I am not sure this
is
> hte same problem.  When it happens, the tach. drops very quickly, more
> quickly than I would expect,  so I am not sure if I am losing electrical
> power to the motor. 
> I does not backfire when this happens though.  
>   
> Also does anyone know the normal operating range as depicted by the gauge
in
> my van. Do we know what the actual spread in degrees is across the range
of
> the gauge. If I sit in traffic for awhile I can see the gauge go almost
3/4
> of the way across the face, but I have not seen it go any furtheer than
that.
> 
> I have bled the system and there does not seem to be any air in it.
> 
> 
> Thanks folks
> 
>  
>  
> 
> 
> 73's
> PaulC KB1RP