Skip navigation

Mk1 won't start

Post

Back to the top

Mk1 won't start

Didnt know where to post this but,

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

Flick r - Flickr: ErosUK's Photostream Insta g r a m - @MK1_TOBY

Post

Back to the top
when you say "nothing" do you mean the starter is not turning?
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 :)

Post

Back to the top
It's got a polo gt engine in 1300cc. I'm no way an expert at cars, I got a mk1 thinking I could begin to learn, so looks like I have my work cut out! I think it could be a connection from the starter motor? I've got a video of what It does if that helps?

Cheers

Toby

Flick r - Flickr: ErosUK's Photostream Insta g r a m - @MK1_TOBY

Post

Back to the top
Btw the starter motor doesn't turn over, just one clunk that's all it does

Flick r - Flickr: ErosUK's Photostream Insta g r a m - @MK1_TOBY

Post

Back to the top
battery is dead orearth lead is dodgy

mk1 gti mars red /deep blue pearl r32

Post

Back to the top
yes bud that would help but reckon we can sort it without that, in the meantime………
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 :)

Post

Back to the top
Yea well I spent tidy checking the wires and engine, got a mate to look at it and he said the engine has siezed, could be the starter motor but most likely the engine has siezed, he said it was a bit of a mess with all the wireing loom as it was bits of a golf an polo. Luckily the bloke who sold it has offered me my money back which is good of him so I guess I will get back to looking haha thanks guys!

Flick r - Flickr: ErosUK's Photostream Insta g r a m - @MK1_TOBY

Post

Back to the top
hahaha, which one?????????????? seized engine of nfg starter?????????
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 :)

Post

Back to the top
Yea we tried that and it won't budge! I didn't want a project car right now so putting a new lump in is a bit too much for me! Its just a shame because it looked so nice haha!

Flick r - Flickr: ErosUK's Photostream Insta g r a m - @MK1_TOBY
0 guests and 0 members have just viewed this: None.