Hi - Hoping For Some Help In Restoring My '82 MK1 GTI!

Hi There,

The truth is that its not my car but a car that I bought my girlfriend many years ago. She originally had the car when she was 21 and always talked about how much she loved it and so I tracked it down and bought it for her 40th birthday. It was working fine for about a year before the fuel line split (car pumped out fuel onto the ground when she pressed the accelerator) and due to other priorities we just didn't have time to get it fixed. It's now been unused for about 5 years and now with some new found technical skills (from working on my Elise) and a garage having been built I've decided it's now due for a restoration!

I would be grateful for any tips in coaching this engine back into life given how long she has sat dormant. First thing, is clearly to sort out the original fuel leak - is this a common problem. I haven't got the car up yet but the fuel seemed to pump out just below the fuel tank on the drivers side - any thoughts on what caused this?

Anyway - great site with huge amounts of information - really looking forward to getting her back on the road!

Thanks in anticipation for all the help!

Mike

Hi and welcome

What engine is it?

Thanks!

It is the 1.8.

So far my plan is as follows…

1. Drain Fuel Tank
2. Replace Fuel Filter
3. Locate and Fix Fuel Leak
4. Drain and Refill Coolant System with Water
5. Check and fix any leaks
6. Drain and Replace Oil
7. Remove Spark Plugs
8. Squirt Transmission Oil Into Each Cylinder
9. Leave For 24 Hours
10. Replace Battery
11. Crank On Start Motor To Make Sure Engine Can Turn
12. (assuming all OK).
13. Replace Spark Plugs
14. Start Engine!

Any concerns with the approach?

Thanks,

Mike

I'd turn by hand rather than starter myself.

As above, turn by hand, use a spanner (slowly) on the bottom pulley with plugs out.  Anything rubber will have probably degraded over time so check it all out.  Worth looking inside the tank too for rust, don't want to be dragging that through the system.

ew said

As above, turn by hand, use a spanner (slowly) on the bottom pulley with plugs out.  Anything rubber will have probably degraded over time so check it all out.  Worth looking inside the tank too for rust, don't want to be dragging that through the system.

Thanks… would you know off hand what size spanner will I need?

19mm I think, don't quote me on it tho!

ew said

19mm I think, don't quote me on it tho!

Yup 12 sided one though not 6.

Great - Thanks EW / CabbyBrad. I've ordered one tonight!