Intermittent Starting Problem!!!!????

[DJ Rich]

Good Afternoon fellow GTi peeps,

Had a engine transplant into my MK2 16v about 6/7 weeks ago and got a juicy 2.0L 16v with Piper Cam and Vernier pulley.

Over the last few weeks I have had an intermittent problem with the car not wanting to start. Leave for a day, or 2, and come back and it starts. In typical fashion when I have taken it back to the place where it was fitted no problem can be found and it starts each and every time, morning noon and night. Today, I went up the road for petrol, came home, got in it again 2 hrs later and ugh, it wouldn't start.

There is definately spark going into the Dizzy as I have had the HT lead from the ignition coil producing spark. However, whilst not starting and having removed the 4 HT leads in turn, that sit on the spark plugs, and fitted a spare spark plug, no spark has occured upon turning the ignition. I have a pretty much brand new Distributor fitted and Cap. The fuel pump sounds when the ignition is turned on. I have also found a fuel leak coming from one of the fuel and supply pipes (not one that runs to the four Injector Inserts - it runs to the side of the engine block near the Dizzy)

Any ideas?

Yours ultra frustratingly 

Rich.

[DJ Rich]

Been reading similar Start Problem threads, and I know my ISV is working alright cause it buzzes away happily whilst the ignition is on.
The Cold Start Valve - is this only a feature on the 8v (looking at my Haynes)

I also read somewhere something about a pulse being sent back to the ECU from the Dizzy?

It's a wierd one, sometimes it starts fine and runs fine (a bit lumpy sometimes whilst driving in gear at around 1500 revs or so - above that no real probs, but bigger cam etc may cause this?)

[DJ Rich]

I've taken it to a local garage where a friend of mine works. They will look at it over the next few days and call upon their Auto Electrician if need be. Will report back and let you all know what the outcome/problem was. I got it going today with Jump Leads, constant turning, some heavy throttle and of course, patience. It runs fine once on the road. Speak to you all next week.