Running like crap - vacuum leaks?

[tomblanchephoto]

Hey crew,

Had a problem with my brakes in my '82 aircooled Vanagon for a while whereby my brakes become spongey during driving. To accompany this, the van has never really idled well and would take quite a while to start during the mornings. This has now worsened to the van barely starting in the morning, if at all, and stalling when at traffic lights or otherwise stopped.

From what I have read so far, it seems apparent that I'm dealing with a vacuum leak in either the break master cylinder or booster, however from here I'm at a total loss.

I'm searching for clarity on the issue and what I can start doing to overcome the issue.

Cheers,

Tom

[Mellow Yellow 74]

Disconnect the booster hose from the engine and block it up at the engine somehow and then see if the running improves or brakes get worse - this will show you whether it is a booster issue or not. Then try the same at the booster end - this will tell you whether it is a booster problem or a leaky hose.
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1962 Karmann Ghia
1974 Deluxe Microbus
1985 Caravelle (Vanagon)

[johnbyrdgates]

What did the op find out? My 87 is almost stalling on take offs all of a sudden.
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1987 2.1L 2WD Full Camper Kerouac

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[Steve M.]

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[Merian]

we use pot smokers here
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[djkeev]