Volkswagen: 77 type 2 westy - stalling at startup, hi art, westy

Question
the engine wants to start, but immediately stalls unless accelerator in pumped and will continue to run if pedal is kept pushed down a ways.when i let up to idle it sputters and stalls. 20 years ago i probably knew the answer,I think its something simple. Help would be appreciated, we love our Westy.

Answer
Hi Art,

It sounds like the temp sensor on the #3 cylinder is faulty.  They are about 15 dollars at www.mamotorworks.com/vw.

This is a good maintenance part to replace.  I am suspecting that it is giving the 'brain' a faulty signal that the engine is already warm, making it difficult to start.

Try replacing that first.  It's most likely the culprit.

Happy Motoring!

Ron