I have an '86 Vanagon that my local VW dealer has not been
able to determine the cause of an intermittent problem. The
engine seems to ping and knock when I step on the gas (yes,
I'm using the correct grade fuel) from a full stop.  At the
same time, the tach is bouncing all over the place but the
engine is NOT racing.  Then, the engine will "catch" the
tach will settle to the correct RPM and the engine has
power. I feel as if there is a related problem here, the
tach is mirroring something that the engine is doing.  Also,
if you hit the accelerator too fast after a full stop, the
engine jumps and stalls.  My local VW dealer can't figure
this out.  I have spent mucho money on repairs that don't do
the trick.  Any suggestions on who I might contact or where
I might turn?  HELP!!! I love my Vanagon, but it's driving
me crazy!