help needed - digifant

[amalventano@sc.rr.com (Allyn)]

ok, the jetta is messing with me again:
87 wolfs jetta 8v, digifant
    when cold starting, engine starts fine, then dies off over a 2 second
period. this happens regardless of rpm/throttle position, and appears to be
a smooth die-off (still runs/fires on all cylinders, just chokes more and
more till its gone). i can start it, rev to 6k, and watch it keel over and
die. it appears to be a fuel issue (rich possibly). after starting it /
repeating the cycle about 5-6 times, the problem mysteriously goes away.
nothing else abnormal going on, normal power/response/etc while driving once
started.
    temp fix for the moment: start engine, rev to 3k, the instant speed
starts to die off, cycle ignition quickly (keeping engine momentum), this
appears to 'reset' the problem, buying another couple seconds of normal
running until it tries to die again. this must be repeated 5-6 times until
it stays at 3k for >5 seconds, indicating the problem is gone.
    problem seems very consistent, almost guaranteed to happen if the car
was off >1hr.
recent maintenance done:
1 month ago: o2 sensor
1 week ago: clutch/pressure plate/throwout bearing/clutch lever (finger
broke)/cv's
car ran perfect for a couple of days after the clutch job

thanks in advance for assistance
Al

Allyn Malventano, ETC(SS), USN
87 Rieger GTO Scirocco 16v (daily driver, 180k, rocco #6)
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87 Jetta 8v Wolfsburg 2dr (wifes daily driver, 285k, 0 rattles)