Idle speed probs

[peter101]

Hi
I know this is a GTI forum, and it has help me alot with my GTI, but my wifes got a bog standard golf, which I've seemed to have messed up! In order to save me from constant nagging I've turned to the one place i know for proper advice!!!

So can anyone please please help me!? I have just fitted a new waxstat to my wifes 1.6 golf (2E2) carb which I bought from VW. Since I fitted it the car would idle at 600rpm (hot), and when cold at 1000 rpm. I adjusted the idle speed by turning the screw at the 3-4 point unit, and have managed to get the car to idle at 900rpm. The problem is that the car doesnt seem to go onto choke at all even though the butterfly flap closes, etc. In other words it does not seem to idle when cold at any revs higher then 1000 rpm. Despite this, the car runs perfectly hot and cold!!(Very smooth now when cold) Is this the way the car should have run all along. I mean, I know its summer and it is warmer, but before I changed the waxstat, when I first started the car it would rev at 2000 rpm, and then slow to 1000 rpm.
I looked at the pin on the new and old waxstat, and the pin on the new stat is 1cm from its base when cold, whereas the pin on the old one is only 3mm from its base.

When I spoke to VWs and asked them if waxstats are ever faulty new, they said that in order to return the part, I would have to book the car in for an hours labour (GBP 88)!! to check that it is the part that is faulty and not anything else.

I am worried that the car wont run on choke in the winter at all considering the low cold idle speed!

can anyone advise me on whether this is normal or should i take the risk and argue with vw about faulty parts?

Thanks for any help!!!

Peter Cohen

[richandhazel]

I wish I could help......unfortunately I can't........but I do have a Haynes manual totally dedictated to the pierburg carburettor. Maybe I could dig out some info for you???

[peter101]

That would be great!! Thanks! If pos anything that would identify what the idle speed should be when cold, and procedure of changing the waxstat.

Thanks again!!

regs
Peter

[Bdub]

Does the auto choke work off the water temp? I can't remember, but it could be an air lock in the water system - try loosening the hoses at the carb and other high points to expell any air in the system.

[richandhazel]

My manual does cover the 2E2 and there is loads of information here.
Going to concentrate on the waxstat for the moment and see what relevant information I can upload for you............watch this space.

That would be great!! Thanks! If pos anything that would identify what the idle speed should be when cold, and procedure of changing the waxstat.

Thanks again!!

regs
Peter

[richandhazel]

Hi Peter,
If the following doesn't help, let me know as there is loads more information in the manual that covers everything to do with the carb.

First of all, this should be the correct spec for your car:-



If you look at paragraphs 25 and 26 in this next one, it describes a test procedure for the waxstat:-



It mentions figure 7.19, thats here:-



And this is a specific troubleshooting guide for the 2E2:-



Hope that helps.

[peter101]

Hi Rich!
your a star mate!! This is brilliant. I think I'm going to do the test on the waxstat as described. I adjusted the fast idle speed today, and even with that on max, I still am only getting 1600rpm at stone cold starting, and the weather was not all that warm this morning. I got better choke on the old waxstat. I know its not the carb, as if is loosen the waxstat the engine speed increases.
Guess I am going to have to book the car into vw's just to get a replacment part, as I paid GBP 38 for it!!
Oh well!

Anyway, thanks again, and I'll keep you posted on how I get on!

regs
Peter