Would you believe it? A DX not starting

Tried searching but cant find what Im after.

Ive got an '83 DX engine GTi.  The damn thing wont start unless I hold the throttle open and then dies as soon as I let the throttle go.

The flap in the metering head is nice and loose.
Fuel pressure seems good (as I found out when checking and getting my eyes and face full of unleaded)

Ideas please cos Im going to end up firing the bloody thing soon 

Does it run OK when warm? Sounds like some of the warm up gubbins (thermoswitch, cold start valve, warm up regulator, 5th injector etc etc) aren't playing ball?

Wont run long enough to get warm mate.  Any simple way to test the above?  I have already checked the 5th injector and that works fine

Has it run recently or has it been off road? I found with mine some time reading up on k jetronic invaluable, good description on here and then start with basics, injector test with fuel pump relay swapped over for constant running. Check for spark/ timing, chech all vacuum connections tight, wiring to cold start valve etc, earths, I made a checklist and worked through it.

Stick a fan heater under bonnet for 1/2 hour and then keep it revved up until warm ???

Taylslad said

Has it run recently or has it been off road? I found with mine some time reading up on k jetronic invaluable, good description on here and then start with basics, injector test with fuel pump relay swapped over for constant running. Check for spark/ timing, chech all vacuum connections tight, wiring to cold start valve etc, earths, I made a checklist and worked through it.

It had been unused 2 years before i cleaned it all up put new gaskets on and put it in the car.
I think the injector test is the only thing remaining.
That said ive noticed a small, perfectly round hole on the inlet mani near to the butterflies. Anyone else got one here?
Also, when cranking i can hear a knocking noise which sounds like the flap in the metering head bouncing about. Is that normal?
On top of the metering head near to all of the fuel lines, there is a metal tube which looks like it goes in towards the above flap. Is anythin meant to be here?

New gaskets?

The tube you mention sounds like the hole you poke a 3mm Allen key down to adjust CO mixture.

Is it still running on the 2 year old petrol?

No. All liquids are new as are gaskets, fuel pump, oil filter, fuel filter etc

Is the small hole part of the casting that goes in between the inlet pipes, otherwise don't think it should be there. Not had chance to look on mine, the small pipe is for the co mixture adjustment, there's a good thread on here which explains how to get the mixture ' somewhere near'  after  cleaning/rebuilding inlet manifold etc.  also check the gap and position of the plate in the metering head if you've had this off.

May as well end the topic here.  Did some more digging around in the engine yesterday and found that the cylinder head has cracked  

Birtymeek said

May as well end the topic here.  Did some more digging around in the engine yesterday and found that the cylinder head has cracked  

Sorry to hear that mate. Are you going to get it repaired or do an engine replacement???

Got another engine and box sorted for £175 which I'll use for the time being.
In the process of sorting another head which Ill have recon and ported. then Ill have bottom end rebored and increase displacement

Sounds good mate. Good luck with it  

OK heres a wierd one. 

Old engine - fuel + spark but split head
New engine. - mechanically sound but no fuel or spark