I've had this problem too with one of my '87s.  Same symptoms are
exhibited, and it's really only noticeable if I stop and idle (at light or
stop sign) shortl after starting.  I have no idea what's causing this, and
it runs great otherwise.

On Tue, 8 Jun 1999, Marshall Ruskin wrote:

> Hi Volks:
>
> My Westy initially starts and accelerates normally, ......
>
> and three blocks I stop at a light. The Westy then barely crawls away -
> maybe 5 mph by the other side of the intersection. With the gas even
> floored! SLOWLY it gathers speed, and seems to gain more power as the revs
> come up. Then it seems mostly normal. It will repeat this at the next few
> lights. It goes away after awhile.
>
> It does not usually do this when the engines good and hot, or after it's
> been parked for only a couple of hours - it's worst first thing in the
> morning.
>
> This is not like the bucking thing  - it is not bucking.
>
> Could it be ignition related?
> Fuel-pump or pressure regulator related?
> Vacuum leak related?
>
> Has anybody else experienced this - I've not heard of it before. I'm kinda
> worried about it, as it's never done this before very recently.
>
> Marshall Ruskin
> 84 Westy "Iron Igloo"
> Founding Member of "Vanagon's Anonymous"
>