Thanks to all who helped.

I think I found a cure for the problems. First I found a
good VW dealership. VW Gallery in Norwood, which a list member recommended.
Thank you, thank you.

Peter, the mechanic there for Vanagons owns two himself.

He found the idle was set wrong. (My former mechanic kept setting it wrong, and
that caused the hot start problem, I think.) Note I said former mechanic. Nice guy
but Vanagons are not his thing.

Peter at dealer�s  could not get van to lose power, but when I told him that along with
 power loss people saw puffs of black smoke, he said �maybe it is the coolant temp
 sensor.� He replaced it. Fee was $18.32 total!

So far I have not been able to get it to lose power or have hot start problem. Have not
done a lot of driving yet, but have driven it with A/C on and for over an hour.

I cannot thank the list members enough. I got a multimeter, started reading my Bentley and my Muir (I know Muir is for the air-cooled people, but I had to get a start on what is an engine, why Vanagons have wheels, etc. ) Am checking out local classes on car repair for the not too handy.

Thanks again to all.
Maureen, the mechanically deprived but nevertheless  happy again Vanagon owner.

Maureen Stretch
Natick, Mass.
91 Vanagon GL Westy �Johann�