The usual cause of this problem is excessive blow-by past the piston rings.
The oil gets pulled back in through the air intake and provides fuel to keep
the revs high as there is no throttle to restrict airflow.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Michael Snow <mwsnow@HOME.COM>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Date: Monday, June 21, 1999 11:55 AM
Subject: Newbie Westy Diesel owner needs advice

>Hello All,
>
>I am 3 days into my first ever VW, an '82 diesel camper.  It has
>215K on the odometer.  PO states engine was rebuilt 70K ago.
>After a couple days of driving, the engine does not go back to
>idle from higher RPM on its own.  If I brake, the engine will
>slow down and idle normally.  I have never owned a diesel vehicle
>before, and am eager to learn how to keep it running well.
>
>Can anybody give me a clue about how to remedy the engine
>problem?  I am also in need of a service manual of some type.
>Any suggestions about what to buy?  I have plenty of backyard
>mechanic experience, all with gas engines.
>
>Mike Snow
>82 Westy Diesel