HELP 8v Mark2 keeps cutting out

[nick55]

Mark 2 8V Digifant '91 model - Engine cuts out (usually early in journey - first 10 mins) if I'm rolling along it starts again with a flip of the ignition - if I'm going slow it cuts out completely then I have to wait for 5-10 mins before it'll start again.

DIY fixes so far include:

new ignition barrel, new coil, new fuel pump relay, new temp. sender, immobiliser disengaged...I'm running out of ideas - someone mentioned a sticky air intake valve. Any ideas (widl goose chase or otherwise) gladly received.

[mk2bal]

Try going through rj's guide on tuning the 8v. If the car performs ok when warm etc it suggests parts aren't physically broken, just in need of fine tuning/setting up, be it throttle switch, isv, fuel pressures, timing, co setting etc etc

[nick55]

Who (or what)is rj??

What I don't get is that once it's cut out it then works perfectly for the rest of the journey.
Thanks

[clipperjay]

RJ is Rubjonny a good lad who wrote a guide to things you are experiencing.
Look into the maintenance section very helpful we encourage all new comers to do a search function before going into specifics as we have answered these type of questions over and over!

To get you started click on the link bellow and search for the guide!

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?board=40.0
Jay
welcome by the way!

[ricardo19]

I solved my similar problem by replacing the number 32 relay which I believe is the ECU relay.  I found if I started the car and tapped that relay it would cut the engine, tap it again and it came back to life..  Mayne worth trying that relay if not tried already..

Good luck..

[rubjonny]

check the idle switch clicks when throttle is opened and shut, and that the wiring to it is not snapped behind the throttle body.

look for vacuum leaks too, a favourite is the bung around the PCV valve in the rocker cover. pop the valve out completely and check inside the rubber lip where it fits to the rocker for splits.

check the vac hoses too, there are 2 blanked hoses one on the back and one on the frotn of the TB, then another hose from tb to fuel pressure regulator and airbox. take off the rubber boot from the tb and check in the folds for splits, while you're there give the tb a good clean and make sure the vac nipple for the fpr isn't blocked, poke it thru with a small screwdriver or a pin or something.

if thats all ok check idle and timing as per my guide, but leave the co unless you have the equipment!

[nick55]

Mant thanks for advice - busy weekend!!

[Ktuludays]

a weekend tinkering with your mk2 - you lucky sod.

[nick55]

Oh if it was only that simple - many heads up re relay no. 32 has led me to try to get hold of a new one only to be told by my local VW stockist that it is discontinued - what next (make one!). Help - I'm fed up of pushing my lovely car off junctions etc.

[apie2004]

ebay