More starting problems

I have a more or less standard '82 MK1 1.6 GTI and am getting increasingly frustrated by a hot starting problem.

Basically, when the engine has warmed up and I turn off the ignition it won't turn over unless the engine has properly cooled.

I have changed the starter, bearing, and battery but still the problem persists. I don't think it's a problem with the ignition switch as there apears to a current draw as I engage the starter and it starts first time every time when cold.

Help…… Please…… Anyone????

 

Ez mate.
Do you get any heating problems?
As in the heating gauge being higher than normal?

No overheating problems whatsoever, needles sits firmly in the middle of the gauge, oil temp never reaches any higher than about 80.

Have u checked the ignition coil?

I didn't think that the coil would really play a part. The engine won't turn over when hot, turn the key and nothing.

One thing i have learnt from having a Golf GTI 1600 is not to take anything for granted.
Have you checked the warm up regulator?

No, haven't looked at that, doesn't that have something to do with the fueling though? As far as I can make out I don't have any problems with a spark or fuel, but am happy to give anything a try if it gets rid of this problem, it's driving me mad trying to find hills to park on all the time!! Sorry, didn't mention that it will bump start with the slightest little push. Seems that the starter just won't turn it when it gets warm for some reason.

The next time you drive around and turn the car off, before restarting give the started a little knock.
See if she cranks up.

I have got a bit of a weird problem myself so i know how much of a pain it can be.

I tried that one. No luck. also cleaned up all the terminals on the wiring to the starter.

It's really p*ssing me off, just can't trust it.

What's the problem your'e having?

I too have changed my started motor. My alternator and battery and still ther battery goes flat after a day of driving.

I aint got a system anymore but the wires were just shoved in where the stereo use to go. I saw some bare wires that must have been touching here and there so i made them safe.

Also the loom from the alternator to battery was cut and re joined!(by a shabby mechanic). I have also sorted that out too so in the morning will check any other wires that maybe loose or touching anywhere and then re attach the new battery and see what happens innit.

Its driving me crazy as i have spent too much on the car!

Sorry to hear that, hope you'll have it sorted soon.

Hi, not sure if this thread is still active, but…

I have a very similar problem with my Mk1 Cabrio.
She runs really well, and shows no signs of overheating.
But after a good highway run, if I stop and switch off (eg to fill up), she WILL restart if I am pretty quick about it.  But if I take my time and get a coffee or visit the restroom as well, (anything above 10 mins) then she WILL NOT start.  Starter motor doesn't budge.  Dash lights up and all, but nothing from the starter motor.
I have to wait 30-40 mins for the motor to cool completely (I can hurry it by lifting the bonnet).  Then she's right as rain again.

Now, the funny thing is, this is the second car I have had with this problem.  The first was a Beamer.  In that case I spent a fortune on garage bills until one day when I was stuck, some guy smacked on the starter motor solenoid with a spanner and she came back to life.  His theory was: she runs fine, no overheating, but when she stops, heat builds up under the bonnet, the solenoid plunger thingy heats up and sticks fast.  I replaced the solenoid, and never had a problem again.

Now I have the Golf with the same problem, and the irony is, I can't get a mechanic here in Belgium to simply replace the darn solenoid, because they all have other ideas (which all cost me a fortune!).

I wish I was mechanically minded!

Regards,
Nick

I've experienced this too. Basically, the starter motor is sticky when hot. You need to replace the solenoid or have it properly reconditioned. I spent ?15 on a starter motor from a scrappy, its worse than the one I've got!

Before replacing the solenoid, check the starter motor bearing, as soon as I had mine replaced and greased the problems dissappeared.