How and why does this work? I have the bucking syndrome (infrequently) and
it is fustrating to try to find the source of the trouble.

Marshall Ruskin writes:

> I cannot help you with the head gasket problem, but I may be able to help
> with the bucking.
>
> It is an extremely common problem, often, but not always caused by
> electrical noise in the Air Flow Meter (AFM).
>
> The thing is, there are several similar ways to fix this:
>
> 1.    Most expensive - replace AFM and pray that was the problem;
>
> 2.    Obtain $150 US AFM harness from VW, and pray that it fixes the
> problem;
>
> 3.    Attach (solder) a 22 35V microfarad tantalum capacitor across pins 2
> and 4 (somebody correct me if I got the pins wrong) of the connector to the
> AFM ($0.25 - $1.00) - no need to pray;
>
> 4.    Carefully pry the black plastic lid off of the AFM, (may need to cut
> the silicon seal), spray electrical contact cleaner liberally, move wiper a
> few times, let dry. Avoid touching contacting surfaces with your fingers, or
> getting dirt, dust or oil inside. This is my personal favorite. I pray to
> MTNGAL who discovered this trick - works great, solves the problem, and is
> very easy.
>
> Hope this helps,
>
> Marshall Ruskin
> 84 Westy Iron Igloo
> Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
>
>
>
> I can't help you, but I can relate, as I too am experiencing what you have
> described in my 84 westy (110 000 miles).  My gas mileage is very poor. I
> commute 80km one way to work, the round trip is using approx. 25 dollars in
> high octane gas, in the not to distant past this trip cost $10-15 . There is
> a noticeable surging, with the peddle to the metal(as they say) I can feel
> the van loosing speed on any incline, more than normal, but occasionally it
> surges forward as if someone pulled up an anchor. I have leaking head
> gaskets on both sides and I suspect the AFM is not functioning perfectly, as
> I have intermittent bucking, hesitation, also I know the 02 sensor is
> faulty.  Any suggestions, other than the obvious engine conversion.  This
> started well after the o2 was known bad.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Charles A. Strott [mailto:chastro@BOX-C.NIH.GOV]
> Sent: Thursday, December 02, 1999 12:29 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Help
>
>
>   I have a 1985 Vanagon camper with 130,000 miles and no previous
> serious problems with the power train. Recently, the van has been
> experiencing periods where it loses power but does not stall. When
> attempting to accelerate, it feels as if the gas is being choked off,
> yet if put in neutral the motor can be easily reved up. When
> reengaged, however, there is no power and the car will not accelerate
> (the van does not stall). If on level or going down hill, the car
> will move slowly, but if going up a grade, there is little movement.
> Appears to always occur from a cold start. Can occur when the gas
> tank is near empty or full (usually use Exxon regular; however,
> currently using Exxon high test, which has not helped). What is
> frustrating is that the problem is intermittent. The car will run
> >perfectly for a few days and then the problem recurs. Since the car
> is presently used mostly for traveling to and from work (~5 miles), I
> don't know if the problem will arise after extended driving.
> Naturally, when I take the car to a garage for a diagnosis, the
> problem wont occur for them. Also, during this period the gas mileage
> has noticeably worsened. Would appreciate any help on this. Thanks.
>
> Charlie
> Charles A. Strott, M.D.
> Section on Steroid Regulation
> Bldg 49, Rm 6A36
> National Institutes of Health
> Bethesda, MD 20892-4510
>
> Tele: 301-496-3025
> Fax:  301-496-7435
> e-mail:chastro@box-c.nih.gov