5KCSTQ: Plugs Issue

["Richard Haroutunian" <Richard_Haroutunian@inso.com>]

Just wanted to write a follow-up to the plugs issue with my 5KCSTQ a few
weeks back...

I had installed new Bosch Platinums (cheaper ones) and the car ran OK, but
starting it was a major hassle.  As you know - with fuel-injected cars - it
doesn't take much to get them started usually In fact, with all my German
cars, I've always been able to turn the key to the on position -- wait for
the fuel pump to  inject enough fuel to start the car -- then turn the key
and start the engine, WITHOUT touching the gas pedal in the process.

However, after installing the Platinums -- I needed to hold the gas pedal
down for a few seconds -- and KEEP it down until the car stared.. Then, I
needed to let it run for a minute or 2 before it would idle properly -- or
it would stall immediately..  After some experimenting, I learned that if
the car did stall -- I could re-started the process without giving the car
gas -- and it would start as it should normally.  This would take a few
tries - and I started to think that maybe the problem was not the plugs at
all -- maybe it was fuel injection-related.

This morning, I installed the regular Bosch Silvers that are supposed to go
in this car.  The car started fine, but with some hesitation -- and I
didn't need to give it gas like before.  This car always hesitated when a
tiny bit when starting -- so it appears to be working OK now -- and it
seems to idle like it did before.

My questions is this: If the plugs were the problem -- then why would it
start right away and idle fine after I let it stall once or twice?  (with
the Platinum plugs).. Could this be a fuel injection issue?  The pump
certainly whines as most do -- but I haven't experience any fuel
'stuttering' at high RPMs like I have when I needed a new fuel pump in my
other Bosch--injected cars.

Also, if it were the Platinums -- is it possible to have problems with the
starting -- ONLY?  The cars ran fine once it started -- in fact, it ran
great once it started.

I've only started is twice today, but it seems fine now.  The Bosch
Platinum plugs appear to have no effect on performance whatsoever.  In
fact, the car is slightly more responsive now that the Bosch silvers are
'back in the saddle.'

TIA for any input --

Richard
87 5KCSTQ
85 4KSQ
82 VW Cabriolet