Car doesn't crank but push starts fine

Hi guys,

I drive a 86 1.8 golf mk1, my problem is that my car doesn't crank over even when using jumper leads, when I push start the car it starts fine. I know the timing is out but will this cause the issue I have, or is it something more serious?

The battery is new as well as the starter… :?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Have you checked all of the connections to the starter? The lead that triggers the starter to crank comes thorugh the bulkhead and connects above near the bulkhead i had a problem where that had become disconnected, it could also be your ignition switch. I would look at them two possibilities.

Suggest you sort the timing out before going further.  What is the fault with the timing and was it there prior to your starting fault???

so it doesnt crank over on the starter at all? if not check all the battery cabling is clean and tight. jump the spade terminal on the starter with a feed direct from the battery +ve. if that works the problem is with the red/black cable or the ignition switch. if not its the starter motor or battery cables.

if starter does crank when jumped from the battery then check the ign switch and red/black wire next. plug the red/black spade terminal back into the starter then unplug the ignition switch. bridge the red wire to the red/black wire, if starter cranks its your ignition switch, if not the problem is the red/black wire