Mechanic help
Posted
#1550677
(In Topic #207767)
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Mobile VW Mechanic required Tyneside area
Can anyone recommend a mobile VW Mechanic who can help get my Mk1 GTI 1800 back on the road? Its been in the garage for 4-5 years and needs a bit of work. I'm in the Tyneside area. Thank you.
Posted
Local Hero
![mark1gls in the usergroup ‘Local hero’ mark1gls in the usergroup ‘Local hero’](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/themes/default/images_custom/2T6Iw1M8.png)
Sorry but I can help with recommended only one as you are miles away..
But DO NOT TRY AND START the car as it is, if you do you may start to suck up rust, bad petrol, dirt and grit into the fuel system and then it will take longer to get the car running as you may have to clean out all the fuel system and it's a fiddly job to do.
Have a look inside the fuel tank before you do any thing, there is an inspection cover underneath the back seat which you can remove the fuel pick up and see right inside the tank.
You will need to get as rid of as much petrol as you can from the tank as petrol goes off after about 1 year.
Engine wise, remove all the spark plugs and turn the engine over by hand to check it's not seized.
If you do get it running don't run it for to long as it will need new coolant, new oil and filter, new fuel filter and a new cam belt and tensioner.
Once its running then new spark plugs, HT leads, dissy cap, rotor arm will also need to be replaced.
But DO NOT TRY AND START the car as it is, if you do you may start to suck up rust, bad petrol, dirt and grit into the fuel system and then it will take longer to get the car running as you may have to clean out all the fuel system and it's a fiddly job to do.
Have a look inside the fuel tank before you do any thing, there is an inspection cover underneath the back seat which you can remove the fuel pick up and see right inside the tank.
You will need to get as rid of as much petrol as you can from the tank as petrol goes off after about 1 year.
Engine wise, remove all the spark plugs and turn the engine over by hand to check it's not seized.
If you do get it running don't run it for to long as it will need new coolant, new oil and filter, new fuel filter and a new cam belt and tensioner.
Once its running then new spark plugs, HT leads, dissy cap, rotor arm will also need to be replaced.
1988 Mk1 Golf GTi Cabriolet 1.8cc DX, K-jet. Daily drive. 317,000 miles and counting
1978 Mk1 Scirocco GLS 1.6cc FR, Webber carb. Weekend toy.
1978 Mk1 Scirocco GLS 1.6cc FR, Webber carb. Weekend toy.
Posted
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![ians28 in the usergroup ‘Regular’ ians28 in the usergroup ‘Regular’](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/themes/default/images_custom/m4O9bNA.png)
Thanks for the reply. There are a few jobs to do. I have removed the plugs and it turns over, but wont start having replaced them. I was thinking of draining the petrol, changing the oil/filter, coolant exhaust cause old one is shot, the belt was done 3-4 years ago. guess the breaks need checking etc. looks like the sump gasket has seen better days also. This is the start of the list. Any recommendations on type of oil to use and this might seem a daft question, but can the engine run on super unleaded without mods?
Posted
Local Hero
![mark1gls in the usergroup ‘Local hero’ mark1gls in the usergroup ‘Local hero’](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/themes/default/images_custom/2T6Iw1M8.png)
10w40 semi synthetic oil is what you need and get a VW or Mann oil filter, both filters can be bought online for £3 ish.
Super unleaded is best for the Gti and yes unleaded petrol is fine with these engines as all water cooled engines from 1974 will run it OK as they all came with hardened valves and seats as standard.
I find my Gti runs best on super as they really need the higher RON rated petrol.
good suppliers for parts.
http://www.eurocarparts.com/
http://www.carparts4less.co.uk/
AVS Car Parts - [The VW - Audi - Seat - Skoda Parts Specialist]
I use Euro car parts or there sister company carparts4less oil.
http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/p/car-accessories/engine-oils-and-car-fluids/engineoils/10w40-engine-oil/?521776011&0&cc5_245
VW do use Quantum Synta oil
AVS Car Parts
AVS also sell genuine VW filters
What ever oil you use make sure it is changed every year and a new filter or 10,000 miles if you use the car as a daily drive.
I would not worry to much about the exhaust till its up and running.
Change the fuel filter ASAP they need replacing every 40,000 miles or 4 years, it's the one in the engine bay.
There is a few threads on here about checking inside the fuel tank but 1st check the fuel filler neck as they are metal and live underneath the rear wheel arch and there is a nice area mud can get trapped above it and rot it out so mud, water and dirt gets into the fuel tank. Remove the filler cap and shine a torch down there and look for any rusty holes etc.
Sump gasket. There is 2 bolts near the gearbox which are a pain to get screwed back in straight as space is tight and they are screwed into aluminium which is soft and easy to cross thread so go very carefully with those bolts, I found putting them in 1st is easier but screw them in by hand with out the sump fitted so you know what angle they should be, hold up the sump and try to get your fingers in and screw them up a little making sure they are the same angle. I found they either go in 1st time or you spend an hour trying!
You can upgrade to a rubber gasket from a Mk3 golf as originally it was fitted with a paper gasket.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MK1-GOLF-CABRIO-Sump-Gasket-Rubber-044103609D-/391237561524?hash=item5b17936cb4:g:jT0AAOSwd0BV3aWd
Always fit a new sump washer when changing the oil.
http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/Volkswagen_Golf+Cabriolet_1.8_1989/p/car-parts/engine-parts1/engine-parts/sump-pans-and-sump-plug/?333771291&1&47c8751ced189bff5450784e05f1acd1b6276fd2&000567
Some reading/info to keep you going.
Super unleaded is best for the Gti and yes unleaded petrol is fine with these engines as all water cooled engines from 1974 will run it OK as they all came with hardened valves and seats as standard.
I find my Gti runs best on super as they really need the higher RON rated petrol.
good suppliers for parts.
http://www.eurocarparts.com/
http://www.carparts4less.co.uk/
AVS Car Parts - [The VW - Audi - Seat - Skoda Parts Specialist]
I use Euro car parts or there sister company carparts4less oil.
http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/p/car-accessories/engine-oils-and-car-fluids/engineoils/10w40-engine-oil/?521776011&0&cc5_245
VW do use Quantum Synta oil
AVS Car Parts
AVS also sell genuine VW filters
What ever oil you use make sure it is changed every year and a new filter or 10,000 miles if you use the car as a daily drive.
I would not worry to much about the exhaust till its up and running.
Change the fuel filter ASAP they need replacing every 40,000 miles or 4 years, it's the one in the engine bay.
There is a few threads on here about checking inside the fuel tank but 1st check the fuel filler neck as they are metal and live underneath the rear wheel arch and there is a nice area mud can get trapped above it and rot it out so mud, water and dirt gets into the fuel tank. Remove the filler cap and shine a torch down there and look for any rusty holes etc.
Sump gasket. There is 2 bolts near the gearbox which are a pain to get screwed back in straight as space is tight and they are screwed into aluminium which is soft and easy to cross thread so go very carefully with those bolts, I found putting them in 1st is easier but screw them in by hand with out the sump fitted so you know what angle they should be, hold up the sump and try to get your fingers in and screw them up a little making sure they are the same angle. I found they either go in 1st time or you spend an hour trying!
You can upgrade to a rubber gasket from a Mk3 golf as originally it was fitted with a paper gasket.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MK1-GOLF-CABRIO-Sump-Gasket-Rubber-044103609D-/391237561524?hash=item5b17936cb4:g:jT0AAOSwd0BV3aWd
Always fit a new sump washer when changing the oil.
http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/Volkswagen_Golf+Cabriolet_1.8_1989/p/car-parts/engine-parts1/engine-parts/sump-pans-and-sump-plug/?333771291&1&47c8751ced189bff5450784e05f1acd1b6276fd2&000567
Some reading/info to keep you going.
![:thumbs:](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/themes/default/images/ocf_emoticons/thumbs.png)
1988 Mk1 Golf GTi Cabriolet 1.8cc DX, K-jet. Daily drive. 317,000 miles and counting
1978 Mk1 Scirocco GLS 1.6cc FR, Webber carb. Weekend toy.
1978 Mk1 Scirocco GLS 1.6cc FR, Webber carb. Weekend toy.
Posted
Settling In
![ians28 in the usergroup ‘Regular’ ians28 in the usergroup ‘Regular’](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/themes/default/images_custom/m4O9bNA.png)
Thanks for all the info! I'm starting to order bits that I will need. Wondering if replacing the coolant would be a good idea while on, only confused with G11-12-13 and ratio for mix, amount required? Any thoughts? Appreciate all your help
Posted
Local Hero
![mark1gls in the usergroup ‘Local hero’ mark1gls in the usergroup ‘Local hero’](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/themes/default/images_custom/2T6Iw1M8.png)
I don't use VW coolant G13 (11 and 12 have been replaced with 13) as you need to flush the system very well as it does not mix with older coolant and I heard of problems using it with leaks developing etc.
I use the blue basic coolant and just replace it every few years.
5l is plenty and it's ready mixed. £5.59 with the weekend discount or £7.99 without. Use code weekend30
http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/Volkswagen_Touran_1.9_2006/p/car-accessories/winter-essentials/antifreeze-coolant/blue-antifreeze-coolant/?523770501&0&cc5_865
I use the blue basic coolant and just replace it every few years.
5l is plenty and it's ready mixed. £5.59 with the weekend discount or £7.99 without. Use code weekend30
http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/Volkswagen_Touran_1.9_2006/p/car-accessories/winter-essentials/antifreeze-coolant/blue-antifreeze-coolant/?523770501&0&cc5_865
1988 Mk1 Golf GTi Cabriolet 1.8cc DX, K-jet. Daily drive. 317,000 miles and counting
1978 Mk1 Scirocco GLS 1.6cc FR, Webber carb. Weekend toy.
1978 Mk1 Scirocco GLS 1.6cc FR, Webber carb. Weekend toy.
Posted
Settling In
![ians28 in the usergroup ‘Regular’ ians28 in the usergroup ‘Regular’](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/themes/default/images_custom/m4O9bNA.png)
Thanks again mk1 GLS!
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