Hi Donna

I have exactly the same problem as you with my Westy 87. I found out a
burned transistor in the Idle Stabilizer Control Unit (ISCU). Once I fix it,
the van started like a charm when cold, however the motor started surging
after the warming up. I am still working on it.

So in your case, you should check the ISCU, the idle valve (ISV) or the
Coolant temperature sender.

Good luck

Germain
----- Original Message -----
From: "Stewart, Donna" <DStewart@REEDSMITH.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, September 22, 2003 11:26 AM
Subject: Cold Start RPM question - 87 Vanagon

My 87 has had this problem for several months now, but becomes more apparent
as the weather gets cooler.  Van starts fine, but immediately dies.  If you
start it, hold down the accelerator to keep rpms up for a minute or so, it
will then idle fine.  (Tuned up back in May, passed smog fine.)  What would
cause this?

> Thanks for your help.
>
Donna, 1987 & 1990 Vanagons