Date:         Mon, 5 Jun 2000 14:00:38 EDT
Reply-To:     CyrusWV@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mark Smith <CyrusWV@AOL.COM>
Subject:      87GL, Cold Engine Problem
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

Dear list,

My 87 GL is exhibiting the following symptoms upon cold startup or after
being parked for several hours. Anyone familiar with these symtoms? Your help
will be greatly appreciated.

It starts easily and idles smoothly at 1000 rpm for 20 to 30     seconds.
Then it starts missing slightly and gradually worsens
until the engine dies after another 20 to 30 seconds.

The engine easily restarts each time it dies and repeats the above process
until the temperature guage gets just below the warning light, afterwhich it
runs perfectly. Trying to keep the revs up slightly does not help.

It usually requires 10 or 12 startups and 10 or more minutes to get past this
problem. The bus runs beautifully after its warm and does not have this
problem after parking for up to 2 hours once the engine is warm.

I have relaced the ignition wires, spark plugs, and the blue temperature
switch located on the thermostat housing. I have ordered a new O2 sensor to
install this week. So far nothing has helped my problem. Any ideas?

Thanks for your help.

Mark Smith
87GL
"Jimmy Joe"