Mk1 won't start
Posted
#1194477
(In Topic #142736)
Old Timer
Mk1 won't start
Picked up my first mk1 golf today from Sheffield, made the 160 mile drive home fine, left it outside my house for half an hour and went back out to drive it, started but was a little jumpy, and was ticking funny. Got down my road and it just cut out? Tried jump starting it but nothing, so pushed it home. What could be the issue? Currently charging the battery but I don't think that's the problem?
Cheers
Toby
Posted
Old Timer
jumpy, i assume it wasnt firing on all cylinders?
despite what many will tell you a golf gti is not an "easy" car. At its release the technology was advanced and even today it requires skill and technical know how to understand. The fault your describing could be one of hundreds of things.
I would however carry out a thorough visual inspection.
Does it have fuel in the tank?
Do you have the coolant topped upto the correct level and is it clean?
Is the oil level correct? and clean?
Remove the top cam belt cover and make sure its in good nick and hasnt snapped?
Check the distributor cap? clean, no evidence of tracking or moisture?
Check the HT leads (a fault with the insulation will cause a tick and rough/jumpy running)
Remove and check the spark plugs (make sure they are all the same!)
It may be as simple as a poor or disconnected ht lead, but it could also be something more serious
Hope this helps but feel free to come back to me and i will help as best i can.
chin up dude
Do it once and do it right! ok, we've identified the problem, lets not make it worse by guessing……… Identifying the sympton is not the same as understanding the cause
Posted
Old Timer
Cheers
Toby
Posted
Old Timer
Posted
Settled In
mk1 gti mars red /deep blue pearl r32
Posted
Old Timer
you need to make sure the connections are all good, you will have at least two thick red leads at the battery positive, one of these should go direct to the battery positive terminal. The other lead fitted to the starter will come from the ignition and is known as the exciter wire, this wire tells the starter solonoid to operate.
The other lead at the battery is the earth cable, this should join the chassis about 30cms away from the battery post and then connect to the gearbox. All of these connections need to be clean and tight although the best way to check them is with a multimeter set to measuring ohms, the reading needs to be as close to zero as possible ( indicating no resistance) but a reading of more than 0.5 and you will have problems.
The battery obviously needs to be good, if you dont have good battery checking equipment then a replacement isnt a bad way to go but check the leads first because if the leads are not right the best battery in the world will not help.
If all these leads are ok, and the battery is good then you will need to remove the starter and replace it. I would suggest taking it to an electrical (bosch is best) rewind/motor specialist (not a garage) and ask them to refurb it, this will involve a load test/new solonoid/bendix etc etc and it will then give years of service (tip when refitting is to do the two bolts that hold it on progressively, ie: do one up a little, tighten the other bolt and finish by fully tightening up the first bolt) i have lost count of the amount of starters that have failed prematurely because the diy'er has done the bolts up super tight opne after the other and twisted the body without realising it. This will lead to premature failure.
I can only guess as to why it has cut out though, but the fact that she doesnt have the original/golf engine leads me to suspect that you may have more problems in store!
Still the above should at least get you moving in the right direction
Do it once and do it right! ok, we've identified the problem, lets not make it worse by guessing……… Identifying the sympton is not the same as understanding the cause
Posted
Old Timer
Posted
Old Timer
Using a 19mm socket and ratchet (or similar) turn the engine clockwise from the crank pulley.
This is the pulley at at the bottom of the engine, you should be able to reach this from the top but will find it easier laying on the ground.
If you can turn it using the ratchet the engine is not seized! it should be tight but not impossible.
I understand though if its all a mess and you just want your money back though buddy.
Good luck
Do it once and do it right! ok, we've identified the problem, lets not make it worse by guessing……… Identifying the sympton is not the same as understanding the cause
Posted
Old Timer
0 guests and 0 members have just viewed this: None.