Richard,

Thanks for the reply.  The same goes to everyone who took time to write me back.  All of the messages are appreciated although i havent had much time to respond to all of them.

The van is stuck in Denver.  Im going to try starting her the way you described as soon as i can even though we arent above 9k feet.

---------- Original Message ----------------------------------
From:         "Richard A. Jones" <Jones@COLORADO.EDU>
Reply-To:     "Richard A. Jones" <Jones@COLORADO.EDU>
Date:          Mon, 17 Feb 2003 09:50:15 -0700

>Dylan:
>
>You didn't say WHERE in Colorado you '81 won't start.  If you are
>above about 9000 feet, you may be having just normal behavior.
>If you are in the front range, then what I'm saying doesn't apply
>(to my VWs), but from what you say, you are still flooding.
>
>I drove my '76 and my '81 all over the mtns in winter, skiing, etc.
>After many failures to start and begging pushes or tows from big
>SUVs, and messing with the cold start valve, I finally figured
>out that it is just a little too rich and you have one chance to
>get it started---crank with the pedal to the floor for max air
>and to rev it up if it catches. If it doesn't start the first
>time, you are flooded.
>
>I don't know how many times I chugged 100 yards on the starter
>to get to the downhill slope after skiing at Brainard Lake.
>I bet I have 2-3 miles total on my starter! ;-)
>
>I put a switch in the wire to the fuel pump.  The switch is under
>the drivers seat.  I just turn off the pump, keep cranking and
>when it catches, turn the pump back on. I have always been able
>to start with this switch.
>
>With over 200,000 miles of this stuff in these two vans, I am
>convinced there is a design flow in the injection system.
>I suspect they didn't test at 10 degrees F and 10,000' elevation!
>
>If I can help, call me at 303-601-0451 (cell).
>
>                        Richard A. Jones
>                        Boulder, Colorado
>                        '81 Vanagon   Mr Bus
>                        '87 Syncro Westy   El Jefe
>