wonder if you guys can help a newbie out.

hi guys I was hoping my first few posts wouldn't be about any teething problems!! but…. I picked my new golf up a few days ago. when I arrived the po said that the day before he had let it run out of fuel accidently and that it had now developed a fault where as it was taking quite a long time to start. I was dubious so the po offered to pay for what ever it was if I wanted the car. to cut a long story short it takes ages to start as if its starved of fuel, the fuel pump is really noisy also. once it starts it pops n farts for a few seconds and then is absolutely fine.. it drives fine and runs ok. I changed the fuel filter straight away and for the first time the fuel pump quietened and it fired up quickly.. but after work today it was back to its usual taking ages again. any ideas? im used to aircooled so all this is a bit new to me.

Welcome!!
Just to check as there is some differances in the Mk1 which year, size or engine code and model do you have? is the tin top in the picture?

83 y reg 1.8 gti  

I'm not sure if you have one but on mine there is a lift pump in the fuel tank which has a filter on the end of to stop all the bits of dirt/rust going into the fuel system from the bottom of the tank. If you look under the back seat there is a black round cover take that off and have a look at the electrical connection, if there is 3 wire/plugs there is a lift pump, 2 wires there is no lift pump. I don't know if the one without the lift has a filter on it? If you take the pump/fuel gauge sender out and have a look to see if anything is blocking the filter as bits can get stuck to it you can also have a good look inside the fuel tank while your at it. As the fuel pump is noisey its strugging to pump the petrol around so there might be some dirt/rust stuck some where in the fuel system. Also check the fuel filler neck for holes and rust as its a common problem for them to rust under the wheel arch and let water and dirt into the fuel system.

Welcome to the forum matey. Hope you get the issues sorted.

Smudger