The FI on that engine gets confused real easy with that type of operation. Cold starting is assisted with the cold start injector which is operated by a simple thermal time switch. What may be happening is that with the short operating time it is not getting any engine heat so when you go to re-start it is operating the injector and with the engine slightly warm the extra fuel is actually flooding the engine. A loose or defective temp 2 sensor or a leaking injector can cause similar symptoms. Also make sure the thermal time switch is wired correctly. I have seen the connector replaced or otherwise service and wires may be reversed. Yes it matters big time for this one.  

Dennis
  

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Karl Ploessl
Sent: Sunday, December 7, 2014 4:45 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: starting issue with '81 Vanagon

'81 Vanagon aircooled:
starts up with no problems first thing. Then I drive around the block, turn it off and try to restart. Just cranking and cranking but nothing else. I wait for 10 - 15 minutes and it starts up without problems.
Suggestions?