Hello,

1982 air cooled Westy, Federal model (no O2 sensor)
Relatively new Boston Bob motor, compression 141-157

I have a hard starting problem that has been plaguing me for the last 2
years, I need a fresh idea.  When the motor is cold, or is warm but hasn't
been run for 10 or more minutes, it starts hard and wants to die.  I need
to keep the throttle open to keep it running.  After fighting with it for
about 5 minutes the idle comes up and it starts running smoothly.  After
it is good and warm it runs great, but my gas mileage has dropped from 18-
20 to 13-15.  I installed an O2 sensor and it indicates a rich running
condition.  It reads 0.6V @ 30mph, 0.7V @ 55mph, and 0.8V @ 70mph.  The
exhaust isn't warm enough at idle for the O2 sensor to produce a signal.
Another symptom that seems to point to a too rich condition is gas in my
oil.

This is the 2nd or 3rd time I have asked the list for help on this.  I
have done every test in the fuel injection and ignition section of the
Bentley several times.  I installed a new AFM and Temp II sensor, even
though the old one tested out fine.  I have a web of extra grounds running
from the chassis to the motor and alternator.  My only new clue is that my
vaccuum is very low when it is first started (2-5in Hg) and comes up to 13-
14 in Hg at a warm idle.  I would like to see this higher.  I have plugged
up every outlet on the air plenum and intake boot and this did not have
any effect on the vacuum.  I think I am going to pull the throttle body
and air plenum next week and run some test to make sure the throttle body
gasket isn't leaking at the bottom.  Lifters are set at 0 lash warm, which
is equivalent to 0.006 cold as I understand it.  Could my low vacuum be
related to the lifter?  Does low vacuum have anything to do with this?

thanks a ton, I am totally stumped and just about out of ideas.

jake