re
also suspect the TPS.

I find them not making contact at idle all the  time.

not hard to test or check.

----- Original Message -----
From: "mordo" <helmut.blong@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, November 07, 2010 10:00 AM
Subject: horrible cold start idle, running rich

> Greetings, Volks.
>
> I find myself relying on La Vana Blanca as my daily driver for a bit while
> the company car is in shop awaiting repairs. The cooler weather seems to
> have brought on a new fuel system problem in the van. There is so much
> written about idle, fuel mix, temp II sensor, etc. that I find it
> difficult
> to parse pertinent info. Will appreciate any clarity that can be offered.
>
> The engine starts readily from stone cold (in the mid 30sF here at night)
> but the idle is very rough. Almost feels like only 3 cylinders are firing.
> After 3 minutes of trying to nurse this idle smooth, the van will drive
> but
> only with severely diminished power and lots of smoke from a way too rich
> mixture.
>
> If during this initial cold start, I disconnect temp II sensor the idle
> smooths at about 1000-1200 rpm. However, I cannot accelerate and drive
> with
> temp II disconnected - the engine bogs down and sputters badly.
>
> After about five minutes of nursing the throttle and chugging along, the
> engine will suddenly smooth out and drive reasonably well though somewhat
> under-powered. But it is certainly firing on all cylinders. Not nearly the
> pick-up and power as normal. It will idle at stop and generally behaves
> alright.
>
> Fuel economy is miserable - about 75 miles to the half tank at the moment.
> Fuel smell is strong; the engine is surely running rich.
>
> Temp II sensor is about 6 months old. Plugs are about 3 months old. Fuel
> pump and filter, likewise 3 months old.
>
> This seems like a faulty temp II sensor based on a lot of what I read but
> also suspect the TPS.
>
> Cheers,
>
> --
> mordo
> 1990 Carat