If compression is good and valves are adjusted properly, the only thing remaining is a fuel delivery problem.

Changed fuel filters recently? How about fuel hoses? I had problems with the fuel hoses before and after the secondary (small clear plastic) fuel filter, but the symptoms were exactly the opposite of yours.

I'm interested to hear the causes of this too; keep us posted!

- Nathan

'83 240D "Steiner"
'00 New Beetle TDI