My 83.5 had exactly the problems decribed(idle surging and little or no
power off the line). I was lucky enough to have a very patient ex VW
turned independent mechanic sort it out for me. He was well versed in
all the typical harness problems that can occur. Many hours were spent
isolating each curcuit. All conections were coated with that new
electrical enhancer that VW is selling for harness problems. After each
session, the van ran a wee better, but never cured. To check the Hall
sending unit, he exchanged the distributor with another (used). Whamo,
rock steady idle at any temperature and from any length of high RPM
driving and best of all gobs more low end power. I had thought that with
289,000 km it was time. Now the logging roads here on Vancouver Island
are fun again. I know of no other way to check the Hall unit except a
distributor swap.

Happy Trails
Rick Beecroft
Van Isl, BC Canada
83 Westerny
79 Loaf Sorto Westy
71 Super Cabrio
74 Super Cabrio
74 412 (Wish I'd kept the motor)
85 GTI

______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com