RPM's dropping to zero, engine dies in third gear, HELP

[jacobcroke]

Took the '87 for a quick grocery getter trip this morning. Shifted into third, engine running at about 3000 RPM's, then outta no where, theRPM's drop to zero and obviously engine dies. Start it back up, get moving about another two miles, get into third, runs fine, then RPM's drop again. I quickly pushed in the clutch, and it returned to idle. I am planning a small (120 mile round trip) camping trip this weekend, but I'm nervous about this. I've owned the van about a month, but about four hundred miles on so far, and this is the first time this has happened. Please help before I have to try and find a shop in Northern Minnesota

Thanks
Jake
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1987 Vanagon Westy Full Camper
2008 Honda Element
1998 Subaru Forester

[Wildthings]

AAA with 200 mile towing should get you home.

[danfromsyr]

outta gas? fuel filter?
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[crazyvwvanman]

I'm going to assume that you are being accurate and precise in your descriptions. If the tach drops down suddenly while your foot is still on the gas, in gear, and moving forward then the problem has to be electrical. Don't waste time worrying about fuel supply related items. This is a symptom that many have had and the actual fix is often simple and cheap. Determining what the exact fix needed in your case is may take some effort. If you are willing to follow a step by step procedure you can most likely track it down.

The first thing to look at is the plastic wiring connector on the side of the distributor. Is it snug, or at least not hanging loose?

EDIT: The key is that the engine speed can't drop instantly while rolling down the road in gear with your foot on the gas so if the tach does drop instantly without you doing anything then the problem is electrical. If you feel a power loss but the tach only drops AFTER you push down the clutch then suspect fuel supply as a possible cause. In that case you are using fuel faster than the fuel system can keep up, so pushing in the clutch reduces the fuel demand and lets the fuel system try to catch up to fuel demand.


Mark