Date:         Wed, 12 Aug 1998 09:27:09 -0600
Reply-To:     Gary Shea <shea@GTSDESIGN.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Gary Shea <shea@GTSDESIGN.COM>
Subject:      Re: Hard start when cold
Comments: To: vanagon@vanagon.com
In-Reply-To:  <000d01bdc5e4$a89081e0$2cac8cd1@default>
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII

> > I've noticed recently that the van doesn't like to start easily when
> > it's cold.  By cold I mean around 60-70 degrees here in the morning in
> > the D.C. area.  When I initially turn the key to start, it will crank
> > and crank but will not start, no matter how long I crank it.  However,
> > if I stop cranking it, turn the key off and then back on and to start,
> > it will start right up.  So it will not start on the first attempt, but
> > will always start immediately on the second attempt.

I'm not sure who posted this originally, wish I'd noticed.  I don't
know what the solution is (and I don't even know what year the van
is), but am just wondering if there's anyone else that has this
kind of problem.  My '81 prefers similar treatment.  It has trained
me to turn over the engine a few times, stop cranking, wait a second
or three, then crank it again.  The second time around it will
crank instantly.  In cold weather (like 40F or colder) I have to
repeat the whole process maybe 8-10 times until it finally
catches.  It always starts, it's completely predictable, but it's
not the ideal starting sequence either.

I have checked my cold-start valve by the way, it works great.  I
suppose it could be 'underpowered', but it shoots a healthy stream
of gas.  On the other hand, the engine never smells flooded
while I'm going through the starting sequence.

Curious.

        Gary

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Gary Shea                                       shea@xmission.com
Salt Lake City                      http://www.xmission.com/~shea