Pistolpete's Mars Red Mk1 GTi restoration
Posted
Old Timer
Restoration thread for my 1983 Y-reg Mars Red GTi, non-sunroof model
jakethepeg007 said
That's mega, great work throughout and a worthy outcome!
Looking forward to reading the green resto now
Thanks Jake, the green one will be built to be driven.
Nut & Bolt Resto Complete (Mars Red GTi original): https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/forum/index.php?page=topicview&type=misc&id=projects%2Fyour-mk1-golfs_2%2Fpistolpete-s-mars-red&start__keyed=
Nut & Bolt Resto in Progress (Lhasa 16v): https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/forum/index.php?page=topicview&type=misc&id=projects%2Fyour-mk1-golfs_2%2Fpistolpete-s-lhasa&redirected=1
Nut & Bolt Resto in Progress (Lhasa 16v): https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/forum/index.php?page=topicview&type=misc&id=projects%2Fyour-mk1-golfs_2%2Fpistolpete-s-lhasa&redirected=1
Posted
Old Timer
I'm now trying to get the car running 100%, and would appreciate some advice.
To summarise the mods, car is totally standard bottom end, with stage 2 head running Schrick 276 cam and all new valves/guides/springs, tappets re-shimmed etc. I have the Audi 2.2 throttle body with inlet manifold ported and polished to match, uprated WUR with the allen screw adjustment exposed on the back. K&N filter element, stainless 4-branch manifold to stainless 60mm exhaust system. Everything is new, literally everything from fuel pump and lines, to plugs/leads/coil/dizzy cap and rotor arm etc.
The car starts fine from cold, idles ok if a little lumpy, and once warmed up idles nicely. When you put your foot down it goes really well indeed, but when just tootling along at constant speed on light throttle (any speed, any gear) the engine is kangarooing. It also splutters a little when picking up from low revs.
I had previously set WUR with cold control pressure at 1bar and the warm control pressure rose to 3.4bar. System pressure is 4.9-5bar.
The timing is absolutely bang on at 6° BTDC, set with the stroboscopic timing light on No. 1 cylinder and the diamond mark on the flywheel in the middle of the gearbox hole.
I also have a Gunson Professional gas tester, and have played about with mixture from 2%-4% CO content with no real difference.
What should I do next to try and get rid of this stuttering at constant speed and light throttle? Maybe it just needs to get set on a rolling road, if you think that's best then I'm happy to do that too. I just want the thing to drive 100%.
Nut & Bolt Resto Complete (Mars Red GTi original): https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/forum/index.php?page=topicview&type=misc&id=projects%2Fyour-mk1-golfs_2%2Fpistolpete-s-mars-red&start__keyed=
Nut & Bolt Resto in Progress (Lhasa 16v): https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/forum/index.php?page=topicview&type=misc&id=projects%2Fyour-mk1-golfs_2%2Fpistolpete-s-lhasa&redirected=1
Nut & Bolt Resto in Progress (Lhasa 16v): https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/forum/index.php?page=topicview&type=misc&id=projects%2Fyour-mk1-golfs_2%2Fpistolpete-s-lhasa&redirected=1
Posted
Old Timer
Posted
Old Timer
paceman said
What you are experiencing seems very similar to how mine feels - although I can't really open the throttle as the bottom end is all freshly rebuilt so needs some gentle running in. To me it feels as it there is a blockage (I know there isn't as like you, it's all new/very clean) but it's that kind of hesitancy. You can really notice it when it's at 2-2.5k rpm. I will be rechecking my fuel pressures, and getting it on a proper gas analyser to check the mixture. One thing I was going to try was running it with the vacuum disconnected (and plugged) from the WUR just to rule that out. But ultimately, when it's run in, I want to get it on a rolling road.
I did consider checking the fuel control pressure again. I've also heard people run timing at 8deg BTDC, I'm wondering if I should try that and see if it makes a difference. It does seem to be a little less lumpy with a bit more advance on the ignition timing.
Nut & Bolt Resto Complete (Mars Red GTi original): https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/forum/index.php?page=topicview&type=misc&id=projects%2Fyour-mk1-golfs_2%2Fpistolpete-s-mars-red&start__keyed=
Nut & Bolt Resto in Progress (Lhasa 16v): https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/forum/index.php?page=topicview&type=misc&id=projects%2Fyour-mk1-golfs_2%2Fpistolpete-s-lhasa&redirected=1
Nut & Bolt Resto in Progress (Lhasa 16v): https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/forum/index.php?page=topicview&type=misc&id=projects%2Fyour-mk1-golfs_2%2Fpistolpete-s-lhasa&redirected=1
Posted
Old Timer
Anyone got a DX flywheel that can provide the diameter (across where the timing marks are)
Posted
Settled In
you can use this type of timing light to preset the flash for any timing, if I remember when you set the degrees you want it will flash at 0 once your there
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Powerspark-TL200-Adjustable-Advance-Strobe-Light-Ignition-Timing-Lamp-/360513112288?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m2548.l6249&mkrid=710-127635-2958-0
Posted
Settled In
That's the size across the face with the timing marks
Posted
Regional Host NE
Do not know a lot but willing to help if possible
1989 Sapphire Blue Mk1 Cabriolet KR
1985 Atlas Grey Mk2 GTI 2.0 ABF
1989 Sapphire Blue Mk1 Cabriolet KR
1985 Atlas Grey Mk2 GTI 2.0 ABF
Posted
Old Timer
jakethepeg007 said
That's the size across the face with the timing marks
Great stuff!
237mm dia => circumference 744.5mm
8 degrees is 16.5mm measured on the circumference. I'll mark that out on a piece of tape and see if I can stick it on the flywheel to make a mark - all through that tiny hole in the gearbox!
Posted
Old Timer
I decided it was worthwhile re-checking the fuel pressure settings, so rigged up the pressure gauge again to the WUR. Bearing in mind I had already set this at 1bar cold control pressure, I was surprised to find that the cold control pressure was way down, actually sitting at around 0.3bar.
The only difference between last time and this check was that I removed the vacuum line from the WUR and plugged it both sides.
Adjusted the cold control pressure back to 1bar, and when I re-connected the electrical connector the pressure steadily rose and ended up at 3.6bar, which is correct. System pressure is a healthy 5.2bar.
I then went through the whole process again of ignition timing and CO checks using my Gunson meter. At 6° BTDC and CO set to around 2%, car didn't run very well at all. Was popping and banging out of the exhaust on idle, and was spluttering when revving the engine. A quick drive and it was very stuttering and hesitant.
I decided to tweak the timing by ear, as it seemed to run noticeably cleaner if the timing was advanced more than the 6°. I left it so I could only just see the diamond 6° mark in the flywheel inspection port using the timing light, but don't know exactly what this equates to. I've left it like this, with CO reading set to 2.5% and it is driving much better although still not perfect. I'm not convinced on the accuracy of the Gunson gasmeter as you calibrate it to 2% in air, then put it in the exhaust to get a CO reading, but every time you take it out and leave it in air it never goes back to the original 2% calibrated value and needs to be adjusted again.
I have a run out tomorrow, so will see how it goes over a longer drive.
Nut & Bolt Resto Complete (Mars Red GTi original): https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/forum/index.php?page=topicview&type=misc&id=projects%2Fyour-mk1-golfs_2%2Fpistolpete-s-mars-red&start__keyed=
Nut & Bolt Resto in Progress (Lhasa 16v): https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/forum/index.php?page=topicview&type=misc&id=projects%2Fyour-mk1-golfs_2%2Fpistolpete-s-lhasa&redirected=1
Nut & Bolt Resto in Progress (Lhasa 16v): https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/forum/index.php?page=topicview&type=misc&id=projects%2Fyour-mk1-golfs_2%2Fpistolpete-s-lhasa&redirected=1
Posted
Settled In
Posted
Old Timer
Oldschoolcool said
You will get there eventually Pete and great meeting you today at Titanic Dubs and congratulations again on your prize - well deserved.
Thanks Mark, was good to meet you and put a face to the Forum name. Your Mk1 is a lovely example, a really genuine and original looking car.
See you at the next show!
Nut & Bolt Resto Complete (Mars Red GTi original): https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/forum/index.php?page=topicview&type=misc&id=projects%2Fyour-mk1-golfs_2%2Fpistolpete-s-mars-red&start__keyed=
Nut & Bolt Resto in Progress (Lhasa 16v): https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/forum/index.php?page=topicview&type=misc&id=projects%2Fyour-mk1-golfs_2%2Fpistolpete-s-lhasa&redirected=1
Nut & Bolt Resto in Progress (Lhasa 16v): https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/forum/index.php?page=topicview&type=misc&id=projects%2Fyour-mk1-golfs_2%2Fpistolpete-s-lhasa&redirected=1
Posted
Old Timer
Great setting for photos too, so I stayed behind after the crowds had left to grab some shots.
Last edit: by Pistol
Nut & Bolt Resto Complete (Mars Red GTi original): https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/forum/index.php?page=topicview&type=misc&id=projects%2Fyour-mk1-golfs_2%2Fpistolpete-s-mars-red&start__keyed=
Nut & Bolt Resto in Progress (Lhasa 16v): https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/forum/index.php?page=topicview&type=misc&id=projects%2Fyour-mk1-golfs_2%2Fpistolpete-s-lhasa&redirected=1
Nut & Bolt Resto in Progress (Lhasa 16v): https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/forum/index.php?page=topicview&type=misc&id=projects%2Fyour-mk1-golfs_2%2Fpistolpete-s-lhasa&redirected=1
Posted
Settled In
Posted
Old Timer
One thing that has always bugged me is the MFA on the car died, no doubt after car was left with no battery for so long. It always worked perfectly when I was using the car more often before the resto. Then the LCD screen also starting bleeding. After unsuccessfully trying to replace the LCD with a new MFA screen from ebay, I decided to send them off to Crazyquiff's for repair. Rich was able to replace the LCD screen, but the MFA still wouldn't function, and even the clock display was very temperamental. in the end, he had to send them back unrepaired.
Everything else works perfectly, the fuel consumption gauge and economy shift light etc all work ok. Anyway, I thought I'd stumbled on the holy grail, a brand new old stock MFA circuit foil for Motometer clocks, still in its original packaging. So, out came the clocks from the dashboard and off I went.
Original clocks ready for the swap
And after a period of very careful manipulation into position, new foil installed:-
And the result……still not working!
I've tested the MFA stalk switch and it's fine. I've pulled the fuse and reset it etc. The clock display eventually comes on, and it will count on with time, although I cannot actually set the correct time.
Am I missing something? I would have thought a brand new foil circuit would have cured the issue. Very frustrating.
Nut & Bolt Resto Complete (Mars Red GTi original): https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/forum/index.php?page=topicview&type=misc&id=projects%2Fyour-mk1-golfs_2%2Fpistolpete-s-mars-red&start__keyed=
Nut & Bolt Resto in Progress (Lhasa 16v): https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/forum/index.php?page=topicview&type=misc&id=projects%2Fyour-mk1-golfs_2%2Fpistolpete-s-lhasa&redirected=1
Nut & Bolt Resto in Progress (Lhasa 16v): https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/forum/index.php?page=topicview&type=misc&id=projects%2Fyour-mk1-golfs_2%2Fpistolpete-s-lhasa&redirected=1
Posted
Old Timer
Posted
Life Member
What issues did they have before you sent them over? I'm only asking because mine had issues before the car when in for bodywork and I was considering sending them over to Austria to get fixed.
Posted
Old Timer
Unfortunately I can't remember what the original problem was, it may have been the screen didn't work but it was quite some time ago since I swapped them for the VDO set.
When I sent them to him, I hadn't tested them and when he tried them it was discovered the screen had gone, which I didn't think would be a problem since you can get replacement screens now, but it turns out the screens used in Motometer clocks are different to VDO and are unavailable. I had another set of Motometer clocks I robbed the screen and board out of and sent out to him - I tested this set and nothing worked at all but thought it was worth sending it anyway to see if he could fix it. I don't know what he did but I've got a video of them working faultlessly before he posted them back.
I can't fault his work though, the issues I'm having I'm putting down to the board internally. Communication and the finish is excellent and I know others haven't had any issue once they have got them back.
Posted
Life Member
Cheers.?
There are too many online users to list.