Tick over low

   

Just joined up today and was wondering if anyone would know what is up with my car? are you sitting comfortably…

I have owned my 1990 Golf cabby for the past 2.5 years and it has always run a dream.. about 4 months ago on the way to work it cut out for no reason and with no warning!! by the time the AA arrived it started up fine again and got me home the 20 miles with no problem. A few days later it done the same thing on and off so I ran it to the garage and he replaced the dizzy as he said the vacuum something seal had gone. when I got it back it was fine but when I went to pop to the shops an hour or so later it kept cutting out and wouldn't idle! back to the garage again he made an adjustment, again fine then after a few miles it was revving at 2500rpm like the accelerator was stuck or something - I took it back to the garage and he adjusted the idle so it was running just under 1000rpm by the time I got home it dropped to about 250rpm

I decided to get a second opinion as had lost confidence in the garage I had been using. the other garage said it was the carb and they would service it - when they took it apart they said all the parts were fine and it just needed a clean up. It ran fine for a few days and now I am back to tick over of 250rpm!! It doesn't cut out but just sounds like it will.. The strange thing is if I press my foot down on the brake the revs go up to 500 and it sounds fine??

Does anyone know a garage or mechanic that could actually diagnose the real problem\cause? Has anyone had something similar? I haven't got the disposable cash for this trial and error approach - I just want to know what it is and what it will cost to fix..

You need a Bert!

He is like Yoda when it comes to mk1's, if you can get up to Birmingham he's got a garage up there. Do a search for "Bert" and PM him

How bizarre the cars called Bert too - must be an omen.

Cheers thanks for the advice

hi mate i have the exact same problem as your having right now.
iv spent 3 days on the net and seem to have theses related tips.
check fuel tank pick up for rust blockages.
check vacum pipes for air leaks and if they are even fitted the right way or missing pipes.
what engine set up have you got?

Ok will do.

Have original 1.8 carb and air filter - Has auto choke which I am now coming to the conclusion is the problem..

Do you get the same thing when you press the brake? someone also said it might be related to the air intake from the servo… I don't know enough about cars to know if that is even possible?

could affect the brakes i suppose as the vacum pipe goes there but im not to sure fella.
my car was a mess when i bought her so i got lots of other peoples bodge jobs to fix along with old worn parts.
but my next mission is to find a car same speck as mine and copy there vacum pipe set up and clean out the carb and check fuel lines although i dont think my problem as petrol is getting to the front it comes out clear no crud in it.
Im betting vacum pipes but not to sure i paint cars not fix engines lol.

And I am a girl and not a fella and fix computers lol

you need to find a good garage near you that is known for good work and not rip people off lots of garages do it to woman i have seen this for my self and makes my blood boil.
most mecahics charge about the 40 pound an hour mark and usually double charge you for any parts they get for you so if you do get any work done try and buy your own parts so you know your not getting robbed.
Im sure there must be a club member near you for help i would have a look at yours if you were nearer.
but certanly have your vacum hoses looked at and also the fuel tank and filler neck for rust.

and if yours is injection get thefuel  injectors checked as this was the case on my cabby made my car lumpy and kangarooed all the time.

This wouldnt be the same car that i came to view and was told that there was no such problem?!?!?  

Bit of a coicidence that this was posted and you had joined the forum a couple of hours after i drove home? I think not!

Good effort on wasting my time and anyone else that views it!

Matt

Yes same car, he's a beauty hence me now keeping it.  The tick over is not a big issue and the car drives fine, it's just since I am going to keep it I am going to lavish more money, love and attention on it as I do all my dubs.  I appreciate you wanted a show car on rolling shell money.  This is a 21 year old car and will with any classic car need fettling, love and attention from time to time.  I gave you a discount in the price as you sounded like a true enthusiast on the phone and I wanted my car to go to someone who would love it, I am sorry the car didn't meet you standards.

Hi Guys,

Just thought I would post to inform that the Golf is running perfect again.. the problem with the tick over was due to a tiny split in the pipe that runs from the back of the carb down to the brake servo, it had also come loose from the back of the carb and was letting in too much air. once secured in place it is now revving at 900 and running alot smoother. Cost me £20 to get it sorted!!

Well done TamTam for getting it sorted at a cheap price. I bet your chuffed to bits. Sounds like angry Matt missed out on a good deal. Keep putting that love and enthusiasm into the car and Im sure it will do you proud. Get some pics up if you can.

Thanks Red,

I can understand why Matt was upset it probably didn't look good when you look at it from his side.. hey ho as they say. Here are some pics as requested  

Looks spot on that does ( not as good as mine  :wink: ) Dont know why yoiu ever wanted to part with it!

Nothing has ever been done to it, totally unmolested other than the stereo isn't original.. kind of like it that way.

It wasn't til that guy drove off for the test drive that alarm bells rang and I thought WHY am I selling it? - I could never buy another one in that condition for the money I was thinking of letting him have it for..

Lets hope you have learnt your lesson young lady! Only kidding!

These cars just seem to be going up in price, and i know these things are sent to try us. He looks like a real Gem. I think if you had let it go, you would have been sad for a long time. I think I can tell that by the way you talk about the car. We have a 1991, 1.8 Cabby and we are after a Tin top. We know its silly to have 2 Mk1's but we just cant part with Old Red, so we are going to have 2.

The more the better in my opinion - if you have the room or understanding neighbours then fair play

I know that I would have been upset.. I sold my '71 bay (Ernie) 2 years ago as I needed the deposit for my new house - I well up when I look at pics now as know unless I ever win the lottery I couldn't afford to buy another one  :cry: I have a T4 now as it is more practical and better on fuel etc but it just doesn't give me the same buzz as Ernie.

Good luck with your search - post a piccie when you get it, always love a nosey