Ric,

It could be a vacuum leak. The symptoms that you describe are similar
to those of a vacuum leak- loss of power when you hit a certain amount
of engine load, backfiring, sputtering, stalling at idle, etc. As all
backfiring noise comes from the back in a VW van, don't rule out
backfiring thru the fuel system, as most cars with vacuum leaks do that.

What I would do is trace all of the hoses coming from the throttle
body. Check to see if any have slipped off of the throttle body or the
other end (regardless of what end it is), and check for any splitting
or leaks.

BTW, it's a good idea to keep hose clamps of ALL sizes in your ride,
just in case something like this happens. In most episodes where the
vacuum hose slips off, it is so worn that when you slip it on, it will
slip back off when you fire the car back up. BTDT- twice.

Also, CAVEAT EMPTOR- if a vacuum hose slips off in mid-transit, DON'T
KEEP DRIVING- you will inevitably burn out a valve. That piece of
advice cost me $550. :(

Best of luck,
Sam

==
"I knew I couldn't fly, but I didn't care..."
-Bob Mould
"Enough to stain the eye,
these dripping words don't lie."
-Jeff Martin

http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Backstage/6507
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