Okay, normally I am only a lurker, but after having been frustrated with
this time and again and finally finding the problem, I am compelled to
respond.  I have an 87GL and this same thing happened to me after the
muffler shop replaced my O2 sensor.  The wires did not get rewrapped and the
moisture from the rain splashing on the wires was, IMHO sending bad data to
the 'brain',and was therefore running rough.  Most people I tell this to
call me a liar and say that it is impossible. (because of this I am nervous
about responding and getting flamed) But, I have proved this with a squirt
bottle and a little water.  Hope this helps.

Phil
87 GL-Ginger
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Philip Baird [SMTP:pactor@COMMUNITYONLINE.NET]
> Sent: Saturday, October 24, 1998 12:25 PM
> To:   vanagon@VANAGON.COM
> Subject:      Had to cancel trip.....Help!
> 
> I have an '85 GL Vanagon.�� Its been missing lately so took it in to my
> local VW dealer last week.� He couldn't find anything wrong.� This
> morning, after a good rain during the night, got in and took off.� After
> about a block, the Vanagon started missing so bad that I� couldn't hardly
> accelerate.� I had to 'feather' the engine just to make it back to the
> house!� I've got a feeling that my problem has something to do with either
> the moisture in the air or water coming up into the engine from
> underneath.� My plug wires are only about a year old. 
> 
> Anybody got any ideas? 
> 
> Phil in Vacaville, Ca. 
> �