Had cold start issues are usually the result of poor ignition, mixture, or engine compression deficiencies. For the ignition you want to check the spark plugs and the ignition cap and rotor. Dirt on the cap inside and out can have a shorting effect to the spark current. w
For mixture a common issue at start up is the temp sensor. Rarely does the sensor itself go bad but the connector, wires to the connector, and the ground connection are common failure points. Simply reseating the connector will often clean the contacts enough to fix this. As for compression when was the last time a compression-leak down test was done?

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Mark Pinnell
Sent: Friday, August 5, 2016 7:06 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: 85 Vanagon Morning Starting Issues...

Currently 1500 miles from home and Pearl, our 85 Vanagon, (1.9 L with AT) is having great difficulty starting after sitting all night. She turns over OK, but has trouble firing and 'catching'. Once she has started, she idles and runs fine all day, and easily catches and starts for the rest of the day. As we are currently in a maritime environment, I suspected dampness, so have used WD40 to try to wick the moisture from electronic components (distributor, plug wires, coil, etc...). She seems to be getting air, fuel and spark (although I have not pulled a plug to actually test for spark, I am basing it on smooth running for the rest of the day...) If anyone has a similar issue and has any thoughts, they would be greatly appreciated.
Mark