Run a compression check and make sure the compression is even across all cylinders. If that's ok, probably a simple tune-up will solve your problem. Most of the time, this is ignition timing.
vacuum hose
because it is a vw
check the crank shaft actuator?
The idle speed sensor tells the onboard computer how fast your engine is idling. The location of the idle speed sensor on the VW Jetta is on the actual throttle body.
I have a 2000 VW Beetle 2.0 and it was the engine speed or crank sensor. The symptom was, I would be driving or idling and the engine would quit. I used my OBD scan tool and it showed the code and the sensor was replaced. The part cost was $125.
heat shield might have came lose if it rattles alot
looks to me like a MAF sensor, either its loose or may have accumulated some dirt on its connectors so needs a clean up. alternativly have a look at the IAC valve
sorry no
yes it can
No. Different pattern
No, bolt patterns are different.
usually, the 3rd number of the vin correspond to the year of the vw. In this case, it would be 1977.