Date:         Sun, 8 Aug 1999 10:13:21 -0700
Reply-To:     gregm@CONCENTRIC.NET
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Greg Mueller <gregm@CONCENTRIC.NET>
Subject:      Van dies when cold
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

I have had a problem with my 86 Vanagon that I haven't been able to
solve for about  a year and a half. It is intermittent and only does it
3-4 times a month.

I can't figure it out. Maybe one of you have come across this one and
were able solve it. I sure would like to know what the answer is.

The problem is that when the van is cold (overnight) and you start it it
will stall and not idle. It feels like the engine is not being fuel
enriched. I changed the coolant temperature sensor and checked the
connections to the computer. Didn't help. The idle stabilizer appears to
be working. It hums and the van runs and idles fine once it warms up. A
friend thought it could be the computer and lent me one that we knew was
good. Still didn't fix the problem. Finally I figured that it had to be
the idle stabilizer control unit. We replaced it with a known good
control unit. I have checked all the wiring and I have good connections
everywhere. I don't know what else there is to check. Any suggestions?

Greg Mueller
Huntington Beach, CA

86 Vanagon
70 Ghia