Poor starting GTI, high idle.........Help please!

Hi guys,

I have a 1.8GTI cabby mk1.  When I first got it it used to start ok but was getting worse, taking longer and longer to start.  I put through some slick 50 injector cleaner and the problem went away totaly, until I filled up with normal untreated fuel and it came back.  I then fitted new spark plugs, 3 prong jobbies and this made it a little worse lol.

Starts on the button first thing in the morning then after work it takes an age to start in the car park, once warm she will start all OK but seems wierd that she starts first thing in the morning!

Now the idle has changed to around 1200rpm, dont know where to start with this Kjet system, any help/advice would be appreciated.  Im thinking change back to some simple original BOSCH plugs and see what happens? (Chucked mine unfortunatly) I have fitted a new rotor arm,.  and also have a dizzy in the glove box ready to go on, old one looks fine though.

I can't help but my car is doing exactly the same idles at 1400rpm at mo and wont start very well when its been sitting for a couple of hours. Fine when just been running or first thing in the morning. Hopefully someone can help. :dontknow:

Having the same issues!

When I first had my car I had original plugs and leads fitted but when I changed to Bosch 4 spark plugs I can only think this is when I started having problems. Changed my Injectors, WUR, Rotor Arm, Dizzy Cap & Leads but still problem persists. Adjusted my CO content and Idle to see if this would help but still no improvement. When cold 1st thing in morning turns and fires instantly on half a turn - no problem!!! The idle is normal I guess to be about 1200 rpm when cold, this then falls when engine is warm.

Anybody got further Information on our problems? Is it that GTI's do not like high-performance spark plugs???

Thanks

oscar300 said

Hi guys,

I have a 1.8GTI cabby mk1.  When I first got it it used to start ok but was getting worse, taking longer and longer to start.  I put through some slick 50 injector cleaner and the problem went away totaly, until I filled up with normal untreated fuel and it came back.  I then fitted new spark plugs, 3 prong jobbies and this made it a little worse lol.

Starts on the button first thing in the morning then after work it takes an age to start in the car park, once warm she will start all OK but seems wierd that she starts first thing in the morning!

Now the idle has changed to around 1200rpm, dont know where to start with this Kjet system, any help/advice would be appreciated.  Im thinking change back to some simple original BOSCH plugs and see what happens? (Chucked mine unfortunatly) I have fitted a new rotor arm,.  and also have a dizzy in the glove box ready to go on, old one looks fine though.

Anyone. Someone must have a clue???

It is nice to know im not alone, but would like some insight, thought this would be nailed by now ;-).

Going for some basic ass plugs at halfrauds tomorrow,  BOSCH W7DTC+ I think?

Will let you know!

I'm no expert but i doubt plugs will make much difference. surely they all do the same job. I'm going to check my timing first. then the long winded injector test.  

Well all the symptoms went when I ran the slick additive in the fuel for a tank, so must be something fuel/spark related.  I duno, but the old plugs were better then these new ones!  Havnt managed to find the plugs yet, going to get them online……….ongoing!

My Fuel pump has been buzzing quiet mad lately when just above 1/4 tank of fuel. Replaced filler neck last year and it may be that my tank and fuel lines needs cleaning along with replacing the fuel pump and accumulator?

Sounds like a vacuum leak.

I have those plugs in my GTi and they work faultlessly so I dont think its that.  I had a problem with my idle alittle while ago and after reading through this http://www.vwgolfmk1.org.uk/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=42 then just adjusting the idle screw I got it to a steady tick over,. if you have the car running for alittle while, if I remember correctly, further in it goes down, out it goes up - listen and watch the revs.

I am no specialist but I remember having a similar problem with starting, that came down to a few things namely the starter motor was on its way out so I wasnt getting a sufficent crank for one.  My cooling wasnt as effetive all due to the wrong cap (small thing I know) on the expansion tank so yes- it started fine after in the morning being stone cold, stopping and then starting up again a meance!  Plus the piping needed changing on the throttle body and placed more tightly at some fixtures. Ive had the dreaded oil buzzer at one point as well and that turned out just to be the sensor needed replacing.

Remedy to the above helped me, I hope it goes some way to helping you guys

Cheers guys, just got back off my hols so will give her some attention this weekend and let you know!