From experience on my '82 Adventurewagen (CA), a bad idle speed stabilizer
can cause lousy (or no) idling throughout the the engine's operating
temperatures. On the air cooled vans, the idle speed stabilizer is a little
plastic item the is screwed to the side of the engine compartment right next
to the coil. It is supposed to even out the idle by filtering either the
coil input voltage or timing signal (Not sure which one at the moment).

Anyway, mine went bad and acted as a virtually open circuit, and it caused
the symptoms you describe. I couldn't get the van to run on it's own, and
the symptom was intermittent. As soon as I bypassed the idle speed
stabilizer by plugging it's terminals together, my van ran fine and has
continued to do so. You can do the same to see if this is your problem. This
item may be available still from the dealer or list vendors.

In general, your idle settings should not be adjusted until you verify that
everything else with the fuel injection/ignition systems are operating
correctly.

Dan

Matthew Libby & Denise DeWolfe wrote:

> How can the Cold and Hot Idles be adjusted on my 81 Vanagon?  It idles
> really low, and today would not start, I think because it wasnt getting
> enough fuel?  I kept turning it over and foolin with the gas peddle.  It
> finally started and stalled a few times, but I got home :)
>
> What do listmembers reccomend for spark plugs.  I used only BOSCH in my
> Old 1600sp, since they did not have the habit of seizing and ripping out
> threads, is this also true with an 81 2.0L, or are there better plugs on
> the market?
>
> PS- Oil change went great today.  Thanks for all the help.  The ASI is
> noe enjoying a vintage Synthetic 15W50.
>
> Matt & Nise
>
> 81 ASI Riviera "????"