Mk1 1.8 Cab No fuel getting through...

[Giorgio]

The car is a 1990 G reg, with a 1.8 carb engine.

It was fine when i bought it a few weeks ago, but now it will start from cold, and run for a short while, after which it will not start again, until it has been left for a few hours. I have changed the carb, the fuel filter, pump, and the fuel vapour seperator.

Any ideas? Its really pi**ing me off! I spent all this money on a car that wont move!

[gibby]

Does it start after you have left it for a while ? When it doesn't start does it just not fire up properly as if an imobiliser had kicked in ? I had a similar problem on my J reg Rivage, it was slightly different in that it would start, then if I stopped it wouldn't start until I'd left it for five minutes (bit different to your few hours), but my problem was the fuel relay switch over heating. I got mine replaced and had no further problems *touch wood*. The part itself is only a few quid so that might be worth a look if you've run out of ideas.

[mk1]

Hi Giorgio.
Check that the engine is not being flooded, the carbs a notorious for over choking. Also when it wont start check that you have a spark, let us know how you get on.
Steve.

[M41K1T]

same problem as mine! where can i find the fuel  relay switch?

[gibby]

mk1golfgticonv, sorry matey, not sure where the fuel relay switch is as it was replaced by a auto electrician, I just know that it was goosed. Bit of a tip though, make sure you buy the part yourself as it's less than a fiver but I got charged ?30 for it by the firm that fitted mine.

[richandhazel]

Don't think you'll find the carb version has a fuel pump relay as the pump will be mechanical not electric like the GTI's If its anything like the carb Golfs I've had in the past then Steve may well have hit the nail on the head.

[gibby]

Just shows I've got a lot to learn about these here mechanical thingys  

Thanks Rich, I never knew that about the relay switch.

[Giorgio]

Well, checking the spark plus showed it was running too rich. Adjusted the fuel mixture, and now it runs!

Slight hesitation occasionally, but i think the carb needs replacing.

[richandhazel]

What tends to happen is when you stop and leave the car.........in those first few minutes that you've left it, you get a huge build up in heat under the bonnet that causes the fuel in the float chamber to boil and flood into the manifold, hence the car is flooded when you go to start it 5 minutes or so later (bet you notice a strong smell of fuel).........leave it longer and its all evaporated away. Don't know why it should happen just because the car gets older.........guess it all just gets worn......as you say. We had an X plate 1100cc Golf that was terrible for doing just that.
I've got a good Haynes manual that just covers Solex and Pierburg carbs if you want any more info.........