Larry
Any time you have a soot condition you need to unplug the oxy sensor. The
oxy sensor perpetuates the rich running even if you resolve the original
reason for the  rich running condition. The exhaust is full of unburned fuel
and soot the soot effects the oxy sensor. You might need to drive the van
after you fix the rich running for a couple hundred miles to clean out the
exhaust before you attempt to reconnect the sensor.
I think you will find that the engine is going threw allot of fuel and the
oil is mostly gas so change it ASAP.

Bob Donalds
Boston Engine

----- Original Message -----
From: "Larry Calhoun" <alvorada@CITYNET.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, January 27, 2006 8:34 AM
Subject: Cold starting problem

Hi one and all,

I'm having a starting problem with my Vanagon GL 2.1 litre. When it's cold
or warm, when I start it it cranks and cranks until it starts and then it
will belch some black smoke from the exhaust then the van runs fine until I
try to start it again. I've put in new spark plugs, cap rotor. Temp 2
sensor.

Any help in solving the problem will be greatly appreciated.   Thank you