It starts instantly when cold. Choke out (closed) and throttle out some. As soon as it starts I take off some choke and most throttle and continue to decrease each as it comes up to temp.
It runs perfectly and idles well whether cold or up to temp. It is ONLY a hot start issue, and that's what made me think vapor lock. Also, that it almost died when I was stuck in construction traffic suggested that with no air moving over the engine it could be vapor lock.
This is not a hobby vehicle, it's my daily driver. And having trouble while it's parked at home is a whole different thing than a truck that won't start when I'm out somewhere, or sitting at the gas station pump having just filled up and with a line of people waiting behind me. So while I agree that patiently working each potential cause is the preferred approach, sometimes the need for a reliable vehicle that won't leave me stuck is the higher priority.
