First thought - vacuum leak. I replaced most hoses, checked connections in air intake (s-boot). Haven't tackled the throttle body yet, but doesn't react when I spray Gum-Out on it. Also, replaced intake gaskets. Don't know where else the mystery leak could be.
Replaced temp II sensor - although the female piece is stripped and I have to use a Heli-coil to make a new pattern. So, the new sensor just kind of rattles around. Electrical connection is clean, but would a loose temp II sensor affect the idle this badly? Could be the source of my problems, going to fix this within the week, hopefully.
To start the car, I have to use the gas pedal for it to turn over and run. If I don't use the pedal after I turn the car over, it dies quickly. Sometimes, I don't have to use the pedal to start it, but always to use it to keep it idling till warm. Once warm though, it idles fine.
Disconnected the deceleration valve and plugged up the hoses - runs different, but I think it was responsible for my high idle.
Using the Bentley manuel, determined that my cold-start valve is not leaking and the auxilary air regulator is working properly. Haven't checked the thermo-time switch, but do not think it would be responsible for idle issues.
Warm starts (engine-wise) - no issues.
That's pretty much where I am at. Any suggestions or opinions would be appreciated.
Thanks, Scott
The most important thing to do first is clean your throttle body out, picture if you were trying to get airflow under your garage door which is 2 inches open, now you dump a bunch of mud in front of it, you won't get very good flow. This is what happens when the throttle body gets dirty. The first thing I'd start with on this is cleaning the throttle and you will probably be ok. Let me know if this helps.
Danny
I think there was an error with the site, hopefully you are getting return emails. A loose temperature sensor would not affect this, as stated we should clean the throttle body and that will likely resolve your problem. Please respond if you've gotten this response as we are just launching the site and I want to be sure it is functioning properly as well as how you found us.
This post contains the solution to the original quesiton, '1982 VW Air-Cooled Westfalia - tough to start cold (engine-wise) and won't idle well until warm.'
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Sorry sblancheter, I just found out there was a problem with the site so you are only getting return emails if I hit answer. There is no answer behind that prompt to pay there, but if you have liked my advice and wanted to then I wouldn't blame you.
So, I would like for you to clean the throttle body out and report back if that works, there are a couple other things that cause this as well we can run through. Did this just start happening or has it been ongoing?
Hey Danny, yeah the site seems to be working good. Got an email about the response, though the post-responses are not in order.
I think you are right about the throttle body. I am going to my buddies shop this weekend to work on the rig, he is going to help me out. I will clean it out then and get back to you about it.
I found out about this site through a posting on craigslist. Hope this helps.
I appreciate your advice and help, Scott
Did you get it sorted out Scott?
Danny