Help...starting issues MK3 GTI 8V

[jamsplodge]

Hi, we have just purchase a golf mk3 gti 8v 1995, been running fine, yesterday went through a puddle, car cut out, wouldnt start, called RAC, it started again, went round corner to check it, the dizzy cap centre contact was missing and just spring.  Today we have replaced the dizzy cap, but is now not starting! 

Doesnt seem to be any spark at plugs, also tried plug on coil cable and no spark, any suggestions?

Many thanks

[itavaltalainen]

do you have fuel?

if yes probably coil gone. happened to me not long ago too.

[mad4vws]

coil pack gone if no spark ,common to go on mk3 golfs... :  

[Gti_Jamo]

You really need it scanned to give you an idea before you start replacing parts.  The distributor wasn't moved at all?

[WadGTI]

yeah, would go with the coil.

Make sure the ignition coil cable is not breaking up. I had to change both to get mines sorted.

[sharki786]

Dont just.go and buy a coil pack. Check it to see if your getting a spark. Get a spart plug, take the 1st spark lead of (left lead) stick the spark plug in, touch it against the head of the car and get someone to crank it over for you but please do not touch the spark or the metal bit on the lead otherwise you will get a nice shock.

[itavaltalainen]

no need for additional spark plug even. pull out the bottom right relay from central electrics (fuel pump relay), the pull off king lead from dizzy. this fits nicely through the crane hole on the engine block. if you can't see a spark there while cranking (just crank with car in neutral with window down so you can stick your hand in and you can see if there's a spark or not).

I bet your coil looks like this....



with the cracked insulation partly removed it becomes pretty apparent why it's not working