Date:         Fri, 24 Apr 1998 20:42:35 -0700
Reply-To:     "earl j. smith" <earlsmit@ISLANDNET.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         "earl j. smith" <earlsmit@ISLANDNET.COM>
Subject:      warm hard start
Comments: To: vanagon@vanagon.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII

Recently started having one of those irritating intermitent problems on my
84 Vanagon.  Won't start sometimes.  Spark OK. Injector spray pattern OK.
Engine seems to flood.  Analysis seems to show problem only exists when
the engine is warm.  Cold start is OK.  I think (not certain) it starts ok
when it is Hot.  Doesn't happen every time.

Each time after trying to start it two or three times, I pull the engine
cover to check what might be the problem.  After a few minutes taking
plugs out, changing the ECU or whatever, engine will start.  I suspect
that what happens is with the cover off, the engine cools down.

Normally, plugs are the acceptable brownish color.  Today after trying
four times to start, pulled the cover and plugs on driver side.  Both were
coated with black soot.  Sure sign of flooding.

Runs fine when going.  Idles fine.  No sign of increased fuel consumption.
Stronly suspect one of the temperature sensors.  Anyone else experience
this problem.

Earl from Sunny Sooke