8v starting problem

[sarahs_gti]

My 8v Gti track car is having trouble starting/cutting out.

Sometimes it just won't start at all, just turns over and over and over till the battery is flat, I charged the battery and started it the other day, ran fine for 20 mins, turned off and started another 3 times to check it was ok, all fine.

Then started it later on that day and it ran for 5 mins then just completely cut out. 

Now I've checked the plugs and it doesn't seem like theres a spark at the plug when it won't start, but I can't understand why its just not starting all the time

Does anyone have any ideas? Any help would be appreciated. Its a 1985 8v GTi.

[rubjonny]

my 16v did exactly this with a blocked fuel filter!  quick test spray some easy  start or whatever into the inlet then try it, if it fires breifly then dies again you can be pretty sure the issue is with the fuel delivery.
also disconnect the main pump under the car and turn key 1 click, should hear the in-tank pump prime. that is, if your car even primes the fuel pumps normally on the 1st turn of key, not all k-jet 8vs do! if not, crank it over on starter and listen. might need to get someone else to do it while you press your ear on the boot carpet tho 

[sarahs_gti]

I'll try that tomorrow, thanks, got some more things I've been told to try so I'll stick them on when I've done them, might help someone else in the future.