strange problem starting when hot

When cold the car starts no problem but when the car is hot it wont always start even more so if it has just been left on tick over. It almost seems like the battery is flat and its struggling to turn the starter but if I leave it to cool down it will then start no problem. Any ideas where to start????

Any help would be good please

im no expert, but i had the same problem on my last golf, and it was something to do with the heat from the manifold vapourising the fuel, therefore wouldnt start, i ended up pouring lighter fluid in the airbox....

Mrvtech said

im no expert, but i had the same problem on my last golf, and it was something to do with the heat from the manifold vapourising the fuel, therefore wouldnt start, i ended up pouring lighter fluid in the airbox….

Not too sure about that but just to give a bit more info. When hot and not turning over if I put it on a jump pack it will then start to turn over but won't fire up or if it does it will only run a few seconds but as I said, if I leave it to cool down will then start no problem?????

What model & engine size, carb or injection ?

Cero said

What model & engine size, carb or injection ?

Hi, it's a 1800 injection. Engine number DX131140

I'm wondering if the starter windings are breaking down but am puzzled that when running it tries to cut out. Check the engine earth straps are still attached and are clean & bright ie remove them clean both surfaces with emery paper and give them a light smear of vasolene

Cheers Cero any help is great! The fact that it was cutting out might be just that it was low on fuel or flooding from over pumping my foot on the throttle but if it was just a bad engine earth or starter problem what would make it struggle to turn over like as if the battery was nearly dead? Please excuse all my questions its just Im a numpty with this sort of thing!!

The battery earths via the engine to the chassis as well as having its own earthing point, so if the earths are shot then the current has no-where to go. The starter earths via the same 'circuit', again the earths require to be good clean connections. Check the engine earth strap, the bonnet to rocker cover and of course the battery negative. It could also be that your starter has just had its day or has the 'nose cone' bearing worn, but you would need to remove in order to check.

Cero said

The battery earths via the engine to the chassis as well as having its own earthing point, so if the earths are shot then the current has no-where to go. The starter earths via the same 'circuit', again the earths require to be good clean connections. Check the engine earth strap, the bonnet to rocker cover and of course the battery negative. It could also be that your starter has just had its day or has the 'nose cone' bearing worn, but you would need to remove in order to check.

Cheers for your help, will give it a go!!