Hello List Members,

As you may recall, my wife and I are currently traveling the U.S. in our '85
Westie. Well, I have finally hit my first problem with the car and I though
I might see if one of you can help me diagnose it before I take it into a
shop (anyone know a good mechanic in Salt Lake City)?

Starting yesterday, out of the blue, I am having trouble starting the van
when it is cold. It will start then immediately die after 2 or 3 seconds
(with a loud puff like a backfire). I then crank and crank while it putters
and snorts and can only get it started by liberally pumping the gas pedal.
Once started it will run fine after a few minutes or so of rough running.
Once hot, it runs and starts like normal. This happened after driving
through a downpour so at first I thought it might be water in the gas tank.
A bottle of gas line dryer/antifreeze does not seem to make a difference.
All my battery connections are clean and tight.

It sounds like the engine is not getting enough air when it is cold (because
pumping the gas pedal helps). Hopefully one of you can point me to the right
things to check (I have a Bentley and tools and will start working through
the system). The thing that is puzzling is that this came out of the blue.

By the way, I have recently posted a whole section on my website about the
modifications I have made to our van (sound system, Optima Battery, etc.).
You all might find it interesting.

Thanks in advance,

Scott Semyan
www.semyan.com