Earl, I have been there with my '84 DL.  If you have not done so, make sure
that the contacts on the end of the ECU and the cable that plugs into it are
squeaky clean.  You live in a very wet area, and moisture sends dirty
contacts crazy.  If you contacts are squeaky clean, try a new air mass flow
controller.  Realize that latter item can be pricey, but it may be the
answer to your problems.

John Lauterbach

-----Original Message-----
From: Earl Smith <earlsmit@ISLANDNET.COM>
To: vanagon@VANAGON.COM <vanagon@VANAGON.COM>
Date: Saturday, November 07, 1998 8:41 PM
Subject: flooding digifant

>The problem is getting worse.  About three or four months ago, Smoky
refused
>to start.  This was most unusual because he usually starts on the first rev
>of the starter. Thought it might be because I turned the key right to
>"start" instead of waiting for a couple of seconds.  Tried many times.
>Strong smell of gasoline. Checked spark -- strong-- too strong 8( .  Plugs
>were wet.  After sitting for awhile, started ok.
>
>About a month later, same thing happened.  Checked all over.  could find
>nothing amiss. Pedal to the floor and Smoky eventually started.
>
>This week, the problem has recurred three times.  Got out the VOM and
>manuals and checked everything six ways from sunday.  Went over the engine
>with a stethescope looking for vacuum leaks.  Can find nothing that would
>explain this apparent flooding problem.
>
>This evening I went over the electronics again as per Bently 24.33.  Reset
>the idle control switch.  Paid special attention to the coolant temp.
>switch.  Left engine compartment open and will check again in the morning
>when the engine is cold and then at intervals while it warms up.
>
>Noticed that the last three times it happened the engine started normally.
I
>ran the engine only about five minutes. Shut it off.  It would not restart.
>
>Also, for a long time the engine has bucked at 2000 rpm +/- 300 in low gear
>and low speed.  Doesn't like to run slow.
>
>Any suggestions.  Can't think what to look for in the archives.
>
>TIA
>
>Earl from Sunny Sooke, B.C.
> At the tip of soon-to-be-overloaded-and-sink Vancouver Island
>84 ex-California Westie