New here... but '93 mkIII golf won't start

[savingchampy]

   Hello, I'm a new member in desperate need of info for my beloved car Champy, a '93 mkIII golf.  My name is Rachael, I live in London and have only had my golf for a year.  Before that I didn't drive for about four years as I could still tolerate public transport here.

I've been reading through loads of entries, but need more info on what might be wrong with the Champster.  Yes, silly name, but this car has been through the wars and is still going, hence the name.

Except, the Champ's not going right now.  I was accelerating at about 50mph in fifth, turned off the heater fan (only works on the highest setting...) and bam!  Nada.  The car cut out.  The distributor cap and rota looked blown, so I replaced them, but the car still only turns over, doesn't start.

I know a little about engine maintennance, but could really do with some suggestions.  Reading through some other posts, it seems as though it could be the relay - but as the car won't start at all, I'm just in the dark.  Thanks for any help!

[GolfGL]

At a guess you could try testing the leads with a multimeter and looking at the spark plugs and if your dizzy looked blown then maybe your ignition coil went. could be fuel related with the pump. try the relays just over £10 each fuel and or ecu. could be something else but try posting in the garage section might get some more replies

[Len]

Hi Rachael

All of the above!
If you havent got a multimeter then as GolfGL says get some new leads then just put your plugs into them and lay them next the nearest bit of the engine and turn over to see if you got any spark at the plugs.
If not it could be the coil.

[vwagain]

Hi Rachael.  To see if its the coil, remove the lead from the centre of the dissy cap and push a plug into it. Then rest it on the engine block and turn the engine over. If you get no spark, then you know its the coil that is at fault.

Cheers,
Stu

[GolfGL]

oh yeah could use ht lead testers instead of a mulitmeter, goes between plug and lead and you can see the bright spark without removing the plug should be bout £3-5 for lucas one in halfords. if you need to replace anything try AVS i think thats what there called really good prices on leads etc