Okay, normally I am only a lurker, but after having been frustrated with
this time and again and finally finding the problem, I am compelled to
respond.  I have an 87GL and this same thing happened to me after the
muffler shop replaced my O2 sensor.  The wires did not get rewrapped and the
moisture from the rain splashing on the wires was, IMHO sending bad data to
the 'brain',and was therefore running rough.  Most people I tell this to
call me a liar and say that it is impossible. (because of this I am nervous
about responding and getting flamed) But, I have proved this with a squirt
bottle and a little water.  Hope this helps.

Phil
87 GL-Ginger
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Philip Baird [SMTP:pactor@COMMUNITYONLINE.NET]
> Sent: Saturday, October 24, 1998 12:25 PM
> To:   vanagon@VANAGON.COM
> Subject:      Had to cancel trip.....Help!
>
> I have an '85 GL Vanagon.   Its been missing lately so took it in to my
> local VW dealer last week.  He couldn't find anything wrong.  This
> morning, after a good rain during the night, got in and took off.  After
> about a block, the Vanagon started missing so bad that I  couldn't hardly
> accelerate.  I had to 'feather' the engine just to make it back to the
> house!  I've got a feeling that my problem has something to do with either
> the moisture in the air or water coming up into the engine from
> underneath.  My plug wires are only about a year old.
>
> Anybody got any ideas?
>
> Phil in Vacaville, Ca.
>

I received several replies from kind list members.  One suggested that I get a spray bottle of water and start squirting around the engine (running) until it started stumbling.  Another member just came right out and said it was the oxygen sensor.  Well, I put two and two together.  I sprayed the sensor and wire with water and....yep....induced the problem! The single wire you mentioned is really suspect.  It looks like just a piece of zip wire you would find in electronic gear.  No special insulation/protection.   You would think that since it's exposed to the underside of the vehicle AND the road, that some special heavy duty insulation would be covering the wire....and perhaps there was, at one time.  Anyhow, thinking about just wrapping with black plastic electrical tape.  Is that what you did?

So, alas, at least the problem seems to have been identified   If anyone on the list has a better idea of how to provide better electrical/mechanical protection for the wire, I sure would like to hear about it.

Phil, I want to thank you and the other list members for your replies.  Long live the list!

Phil in Vacaville, Ca.
'85 Vanagon GL