Many thanks to everyone who responded directly - getting mail is
great when in trouble (we're not alone...). For the archives:
        The 2nd fuel pump relay didn't switch on while the starter was
running leaving it to the engine to produce enough suction upon starting to
close the AFM switch and, thus, get the 2nd relay closed via the 1st and the
ECU. Multi-meter with min/max storage was the most important tool...
        As these engines get older, the problems get more bizarre...who got
the copyright on that?
        Thanks again,
        michael

        > Just after returning from a 3-nites camp trip (Murphy was a
pessimist) we
        > got a cold start problem. Required endless cranking before firing
up.
        > Checked the cold start valve - fine. Forced the c.s. valve open
and it
        > starts immediately + idles just fine. Closing the valve while
engine idles
        > and it dies. Outside temps in the 90s, i.e. c.s. valve stays
closed
        > normally. Unmetered air ? Any idea welcome.
        > Michael, Germany
        > 80 Westy
        > 86 GL
        > 86 Quantum
        > 93 318t