Gary,

You're describing what I've gone through over the last year or so.  Finally
solved the problem last weekend.  Plugged exhaust from a decomposed cat.

Good test - kick your muffler; if you hear what sounds like stones inside,
you're a candidate for a new cat and muffler.

Drive it around a bit without the exhaust connected.  If your problem goes
away, you've found your problem.  May not be your problem, but anything is
worth a try.

Karl Wolz
-----Original Message-----
From: gary domestico <gary@MIDCOAST.COM>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Date: Tuesday, April 20, 1999 4:02 PM
Subject: Need some help.

>My van is not doing well, maybe someone can help,
>
>What happens is it feels as if I am driving into a head wind. When I slow
>down in third or fourth gear it will buck seems to be running lean, by
>putting in the clutch and then letting it out it will stop bucking and run
>normal.
>I thought it was
>the temp sensor, got a new one and it seemed to run fine the idle
>dropped 200 rpms and it seemed smooth. I was happy but then over the
>weekend I went to Portland and started to notice as if I was driving
>into a head wind. The next morining I went to Boston and it seemed to be
>running good. About a half hour into the trip it again started to feel
>as if I was in a strong head wind. I stopped for about a half hour and
>it was fine when I started out again. After about  a 1/2 hour it started
>running bad again. I check all the connections but could not find
>anything wrong. Started back on Monday and it started all over after
>about a 1/2 hour. Got back and put the old sensor in and it does run
>different but not right. Just to let you know I tried swapping the
>computer, air flow meter, and what ever else I could do. I have  a new
>air filter the plugs are okay and the wires and distributor cap and
>rotor are in good condition. When I  start it up it will run okay until
>it warms up and then it is not running at 100%.
>My gas mileage has dropped about 2 mpg (18.5 from 20.5).
>
>Any ideas?
>Thanks
>
>Gary Domestico   W1JRW
>Greatneck Computer Repair
>369 Main Street
>Rockland, Maine 04841
>207- 594-0983
>