When my car is cold - the car wont idle correctly. It goes up and down - once the car is warmed up, the car idles perfect. Does this sound like the cold start valve?

Nope. The CSV should be open only while the starter is cranking, and even then only when it is "cold enough". (How cold that is varies depending on who you ask.) Idle is after the engine has started, so the starter isn't cranking any more.

Maybe your head temp sensor?

--DD

thanks Dave ...

how do I check to see if this is the problem or if the head sensor is any good?

Vacuum leak will cause "hunting" idle. Too much ignition timing advance will also. Not sure what would cause either of the above only when cold.

Vacuum Leak. While the car is still cold and the idle is "hunting"/going up and down, spray carb cleaner around the intake to head block, maybe a little under the injectors. If the hunting stops you've found the leak because it is now sucking in fuel (carb cleaner).

Don't blow yourself up, carb cleaner not brake cleaner.

-Mike D.

Thanks.......