Failing to start

[darren_kobe]

Hi guys, I have an 8v, 'E' reg GTI. Had it for a few months now and has run perfect in all weather conditions. It has never once failed to start but the other day (after a night of snow) it will not start. Was out in it the night before and it was fine. Have taken off and sprayed all the leads and distributor cap and all seem fine. Checked the spark plugs and apart from being a little black and wet are ok. Cleaned them up but still no luck. I seem to be getting a spark and there is a smell of fuel so think im getting that as well. It turns over but just wont start.

Any help would be appreciated

[rubjonny]

does fuel pump prime or run constant on 1st click o kwey?  could be temp senbsor failure

[darren_kobe]

I hear it buzz so it primes but it doesn't run constantly just comes on for a couple of seconds

[Saskatoon]

fresh fuel - have you got a visual fuel filter under bonnet - has it got fuel in it?  You will smell fuel - but it doesn't mean it's got any really - gas has a very strong vapor- this is how I found my fuel gauge didn't work months ago.  It read half full and was empty - I felt an idiot calling my brother in law out on a mechanical breakdown with his truck, to give me a can of fuel - when I broke down directly opposite a petrol station. 

Sender unit wired detatched on tank - don't know why