Earl,

My 85 Westy will do the same thing when the connection to the temp. sensor for the FI goes bad. When this happens I just unplug the wire from the sensor and but it back on with a wiggle and the van will start right up. Good luck

Joe B.
85 westy 216k
Vashon WA

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From:  Earl Smith [SMTP:earlsmit@ISLANDNET.COM]
Sent:  Saturday, November 07, 1998 5:23 PM
To:  vanagon@VANAGON.COM
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