Three possibles spring to mind:

1.  Check that the thermostat is OK and allowing the motor to reach full
temp.
2.  The automatic choke may not be going off properly.
3.  Fuel pump is not keeping up with demands

In the first two, I would expect high fuel consumption.  If the third,
expect some erratic running.  I would also run a compression check in case
of more serious problems.  If the van has already had a replacement or
recon. engine, the carb may be worn - service kits are available.

Don McCallum (1992 T3 1.6 TD Syncro, 1986 T3 1.9 Camper, North Wales, UK)
-----Original Message-----
From: Chris McBrayne <MCBRAYC@UK.IBM.COM>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Date: 21 April 1999 10:10
Subject: Lack of power on my 87 Syncro

>Guys,
>     Wonder if any of you can shed any light on this problem - Have got an
>'87 Syncro which by some quirk of fate has the earlier 1.9 DG series
>carburettor engine, problem is that there is a distinct lack of power
>particularly uphill its the same as driving my old 50HP 73 bay.  Have
>checked all the vacuum hoses OK and set the timing up spot on to the timing
>mark  but still no joy - any ideas?  I should point out that the van is
>European spec probably because the van and I live in England
>
>Cheers
>
>Chris and Syndy (Syncro)
>