mk2 8v gti cutting out! help!

[mk2_Mij]

Hi, i have recently bought a mk2 8v gti and i've already started having problems with it. it keeps randomly cutting out while driving, the engine loses all power and cuts out......after leaving the car for 5-10 mins it will re-start and drive fine, the engine when working runs fine and pulls nicely it just keeps cutting out! i've done a full service on it, thinking it might resolve the problem, but the it's still happening.

anyone experienced the same problem? any help is greatly appreciated!!

cheers

[DarnPB]

What year is the car and which injection systen does it run? Kjet, ot digifant?

[mk2_Mij]

it's a 91 J reg, i'm not too sure what injection system it uses, i think it's a digifant. i'm a bit clueless on this, help would be greatly appreciated! cheers

[DarnPB]

Being a '91, it will be a digifant. Is there any smell of fuel? Does it just cut out, or die out? It is probably ignition related and something getting hot and failing. Does it run ok until it gets to temperature? Need more info to diagnose or it's a little like phoning a doctor and saying, 'I have a fever, whats wrong with me?" 

[mk2_Mij]

lol i've tried taking it to mechanics but no one seems to know what it is. When it cuts out while driving it just dies. the thing is, it's really random....i could be driving at any speed or just idiling and it will cut out. Although i have notcied when it's stationary and cuts out it feels like its gasping for air and slowly dies. i cnt say i've smelt alot of petrol, although when it starts up again it smells alot like petrol and alot of smoke comes out. Also it does seem to cut out when the car gets hotter. sorry for the long description! i just really want get this sorted because it's getting dangerous. the other day it cut out on the motorway!

[Ben Lessani]

If there's a lot of smoke and it smells heavily of fuel it sounds like its running rich? Might it be that the engine is still thinking its on a cold start? I'd start by checking the blue temp sender - search the forums you'll find some diagnostic tests.

[DarnPB]

Yes, now we are getting somewhere. Agreed that the blue temp sensor should be replaced, but more as a matter of course than anything else.
But first of all, check the obvious. Remove the distributor cap and check the condition of the internals, and make sure the centre brush is intact and still springy. Check the contacts are not too worn. Then check the main HT lead for condition. If this is poor, then you will experience the same as you are getting. If it were plug leads, you would only drop a cylinder. Then check the rotor arm.
More to follow, but I gotta go! Sorry! :embarassed:

[Agreeable Slick]

double post.

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=101540.0