Fueling problem?

[M]

I own a 1990 GTi 16v with 125k on the clock that has developed a problem.? When I tried to start it this morning the engine just kept turning over and wouldn't fire on any cylinders.? Then after several minutes and several attempts, one cylinder would fire once and then nothing and then it would fire again until eventually it was running on two cylinders.? I had to rev it to get all four firing but when it dropped below 2000rpm, it stopped firing on one or two cylinders.? It caused me to almost stall at the first few junctions and there was a bit of 'kangarooing' but after the engine began to warm, the problem stopped.? This has happened once before a few months back also.

It happened yesterday morning as well but without the initial starting problem.

From what I have heard in the past, it might be a fueling problem.? What do you guys think?? What do I need to get checked and what might it cost?

Any help is much appreciated, thanks.

[M]

Any takers???

[fin170703]

Hi there,

 I am no mechanic but i had a problem like this, would you by any chance be low on fuel, i know this can sometimes cause bits to be

dragged up the system an they can get into your injectors and cause all kinds of problems, also maybe its the injectors themself.

Like i say I'm no mechanic but that was the problem with mine. Hope it sorts it self out.

[Dannyd]

could be four things off the top of my head!!! (very big head)
1. when you turn the ignition on is there a sound from the fuel pump?
2. if no sound it could be the fuel pump relay or the fuse.......or the pump itself
3. if you get a sound from the pump it could be the lift pump in the tank but you can normally tell from the sound.
4.idle valve blocked (don't know much on this one)

[Dom H]

check the fuel filter..........infact replace it, only 7.50 from GSF

the injectors might need a spring clean too. http://www.injector-clean.co.uk offer mail order services
explanation of how injectors work here -----> http://www.asnu.com/tech/tech10.htm

[M]

Thanks for your help people.  I'm going to go down the injectors road first I think.  Right, Redex for starters.

Cheers.

[Gambit]

my old 16v used to do that. turned out to be the hall sender in the dizzy. would cause it to backfire splutter etc

[Judderi]

Its also worth checking the circular disk/flap inside the metering head to make sure its moving up and down freely. Its quick and easy to do, just remove the rubber intake hose on the top and grab the nut on the disk to lift it.