I had been having a similar problem.  Checked the airflow specs, temp sensor
specs., temp sensor II replaced, replaced distributor cap and ignition
coil--all to no avail.

I then replaced the fuel filter for $5 and the problem went away.

Darrell Boehler <midwesty@MIDWEST.NET> wrote:

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Hi Alfred,
    Check the afm (air flow meter) . Pop off the plastic top, you will see a
wiper contact that slides on a black carbon track (variable resistor).  Look
for a worn place  in the track. If worn there are many posts in the archives
on how to move the resistor plate and have a fresh track or you can replace
the afm. Your afm resistor might be worn at the engine load range where
troubles are noticed. On type 2 / bus your problem was often referred as a
bucking bus.  
Darrell
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Alfred Bagdan 
  To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM 
  Sent: Saturday, July 10, 1999 1:10 AM
  Subject: 85 Vanagon dying while driving

  Hi my name is Alfred.
  Can anyone help with this problem I am having with my 85 Vanagon 1.9
standard transmission:
  Starts fine when cold, runs fine until hot, also runs fine at highway
driving but when in slow traffic occasionally starts 
  violent bucking. Also when slowing down it can't have a nice even pull. It
seems to have a lot of play in the throttle, i.e. it surges too much or slows
too much.  
  Another problem is that sometimes when easing up on the gas or going down
hill the engine dies.  To fix this I simply turn off the ignition key and turn
it on again (standard transmission) and it runs fine until next time which may
be tomorrow or next week, its totally unpredictable.
  I have already had the temperature sensor problem years ago, but this
problem is different.  Van starts when hot but runs rough at slow speeds while
driving.(Idling when parked runs fine too)
  Thanks in advance for any help.

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