Need Help With Starting Problem!!!

[paintbb84]

hi, i have a 90 vw golf gl and it doesnt like to start. The engine turns over everytime i turn the key but in order for it to catch i have to pump the gas. Sometimes it will start right up on the first turn but it tries to die on me right afterwards. if i rev the engine a little bit just over idle it will be fine and it will idle afterwards without threatening to die on me. another little problem i have is that after i get off the highway with her and i'm sitting at a stop light, the oil light will start flashing but if i rev the engine a little it will go off. if anyone has any ideas please let me know. also the starter is decently new and so is the battery.

[boschmann]

I'd start with a fuel pressure test. It only requies a simple gauge connected to the test port on the left side of the fuel rail (remove 7mm plug). You should have 30-35 psi running, 40 psi with vacuum hase from pressure regulator disconnected and hold at least 25 psi for about 10 min after shutdown. Also, the idle air valve could be faulty. It's a long cylinder located just above the fuel injectors & has a 1" hose from the intake boot in one side, and another exiting out the bottom to the manifold. It has a 2 pin electrical connector too. You can try cleaning it out w/carb cleaner. Try pinching one of the 1" hoses flat when it's idling warm, it shouldn't die (idle might drop very slightly) or it's leaking air through the valve.