Not that it helps, I have an old 2.1 ~169,000 2.1L that does the same thing.
I was going to first check for exhaust and vacuum leaks.

Todd
'88 Westy

Dan Barrett wrote:

> Volks,
> I've got a brand-new (~3000 mi) 2.1L that runs like a champ once it's
> warm.  Here's the mystery problem that only happens when the bus is
> started from cold:
>
> 1) runs _roughly_ for the first two minutes or so
> 2) exhaust smells like fuel during that time
> 3) six out of ten times, the engine abruptly shuts off about thirty
> seconds after startup.  No warning, no drop in rpm, just screech! and
> it's off.  It starts right back up and idles fine after that.
>
> Often, once the engine gets revved to over 2,000 rpm the rough idle
> disappears.  Where do I start troubleshooting?
>
> Best,
> d.
>
> 1990 GL -- "Mudskipper"
>