First of all, I would bet that your belts are too loose.  It's normal for
them to squeal more when cold, because they are cold too and have less
friction to the pulley until they warm up and get a bit more supple.  But
they shouldn't squeal at all.  If you have a frozen accessory, i.e. a pump
that's locked in place and won't turn, the belt would squeal no matter what,
but would also self-destruct pretty quickly.

As to the slow starting, there's lots of things, but have you checked your
timing?  Also, with your new plugs, did you check the gap?  Lots of times
people think they come preset to the correct gap, and they usually don't.

tx,
bmc  :)
Ben McCafferty
ben@volkscafe.com

Volks Cafe
1823 Soquel Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA  95062
831-426-1244
http://volkscafe.com

> From: Jason Denton <jasondenton@ATTBI.COM>
> Reply-To: Jason Denton <jasondenton@ATTBI.COM>
> Date: Thu, 13 Feb 2003 21:59:41 -0500
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Cold Temps....Hard to Start and Squealing Belts (and some more
> questions)
>
> Hello from the Cold Cold Northeast......
>
> I have read the recent belts squealing posts and am having the same cold
> weather symtoms...  I have a new engine, new plugs, K&N airfilter, Castrol
> 10W40 (new engine or I would run synthetic), new 600CC Amp Battery,  etc...
> It runs perfect once it is warm but starts harder (and the belts scream)  as
> it gets colder.    I just replaced all the belts and the problem persists.   I
> bought a new Temp  II sensor but havent installed it yet although I dont think
> it contributes to my squealing belts.   Any ideas?    (Unfortunately I am new
> at fixing Vanagons...but love them).
>
> 1).  Is the water pump going?
> 2).  What else might I try?
> 3).  Does anyone use a block heater?   Seems to start perfect in warmer
> weather.
>
> 4).  On a totally unrelated subject, can anyone suggest some nice speakers to
> fit the stock holes in the front doors (low profile speaker grills to allow
> doors to close?).
>
> As usual, Thank you very much for the help that you all have given me since my
> Westfalia purchase a few months ago.
>
> Regards, Jason D.
> 90 Westy   Stratham, NH