After letting it sit unstarted for awhile (riding the motorcycle to work) my 88 DL wagon dies at idle when cold. Give it the gas, no problem. Any suggestions?

idle air control valve or engine temp sensor.

 

the IAC is supposed to open on a cold start. it acts like a choke to increase idle, but by introducing a 'false' vacuum leak to kick the idle up.

 

either this part is not working, or the temp sensor is bad and the car does not know it's cold.

 

try unplugging the green 2 pin connector on the thermostat housing(this is where the sensor is located) and see if the car runs any different.

 

the IAC valve istself is on the front of the throttle body with a hose going from it to the intake boot. try soaking it in carb cleaner, or you can remove the part and clean out all the carbon and junk. this is assuming the unit works but is clogged up.

Dude. Great information. THANKS.http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/images/smilies/dbanana.gif