I think you are talking about your experience with your Carburated European
Vanagon.  Here in the US we have Fuel Injection even in the earliest models so
there is no Choke and if the system is right there should be no need to touch
the gas pedal at all on start up.  Also I think the gas tank can cause some of
these problems 'cause fuel pressure is more critical on the Fuel Injected
models as well.
Any other opinions.
Ken Wilford
John 3:16