Golf won't start, help!

Typical, just trying to sell the Golf, getting loads of interest, and now it won't start.

It'll spin over fine, lots of battery, but it just won't start. Before it used to start straight away.

It seems to be losing a oil as well, but not dripping it, and yesterday I noticed there was a high build-up of pressure in the water system.

Anyone got any ideas what it could be?

And no, it hasn't run out of petrol!  

Thanks,
Ollie

Its a Gti??

Pressure build up could mean Head gasket? if unlucky

Does the fuel pump prime when you turn the ignition,relay fault possible?

Timmyturtle said

Its a Gti??

Pressure build up could mean Head gasket? if unlucky

Does the fuel pump prime when you turn the ignition,relay fault possible?

Sorry yes, it's an 8v GTi.

The water pipes were swelled up and when I took the cap off the expansion tank it overflowed. Also noticed a few water leaks around the pipes connections.

I think it's priming because it's gradually got worse, last week it would start, but needed to turn over a few times first.
Now it just turns over but won't start.

Would it start if the head gasket has gone?

Thnaks for the quick reply.

Tested to see if you have a spark?
Checked fuel flow?
Tried a squirt of "Easy Start" or similar?

paul_c said

Tested to see if you have a spark?
Checked fuel flow?
Tried a squirt of "Easy Start" or similar?

Haven't really had time. I will check them in the the week when I have some spare time.

The pressure in the water is what worries me as I'm not up for getting the head gasket done, would rather get rid of it if this is the case.

A head gasket won't blow with the car sitting there not being used. If it ran okay the last time you turned it off, then its going to be something quite minor, I guess. My bet is that the ignition leads or something, have gotten damp and now providing too weak a spark to run properly.

paul_c said

A head gasket won't blow with the car sitting there not being used. If it ran okay the last time you turned it off, then its going to be something quite minor, I guess. My bet is that the ignition leads or something, have gotten damp and now providing too weak a spark to run properly.

Ok thanks. When I did manage to get it started the other day it still pulled really strong so hopefully it is something minor.

I'll clean up the plugs etc and see if it makes a difference.

You're wasting your time cleaning the plugs, it won't stop it starting if it previously ran. But, clean them if it makes you happier…..

So what do you suggest I look for then?

A strong spark. You'll have to have a spare spark plug to test it out.

paul_c said

A strong spark. You'll have to have a spare spark plug to test it out.

Thanks, I'll check it out.