Any Ideas?

[mattdebs]

The golf has broken down again! It just happened and I've not had chance to check it out yet...too dark and cold! I was pulling away, hit 2nd gear and bang. Car felt and sounded like it had hit a large pothole (it hadn't). It cut out and wouldn't start again. Turns over but doesn't fire up.

Some things to consider...few weeks ago the cambelt snapped. I replaced it and had a garage do the timing. The guy said there didn't seem to be any damage to the engine. And lots of people on here told me the 8v is non interference anyway, so I'm thinking it is least likely to be anything to do with that.

This past week, the steering has been a bit funny, it's felt like the n/s wheel was loose at times. Could it be the drive shaft has gone and fooked the gearbox? But this wouldn't be a reason for it not to start would it? And when I was towed back it was steering fine, no noises etc.

Anybody got any ideas what it might be and what to look out for when I check it out tomorrow?

Cheers

[X4MGS]

The golf has broken down again! It just happened and I've not had chance to check it out yet...too dark and cold! I was pulling away, hit 2nd gear and bang. Car felt and sounded like it had hit a large pothole (it hadn't). It cut out and wouldn't start again. Turns over but doesn't fire up.

Some things to consider...few weeks ago the cambelt snapped. I replaced it and had a garage do the timing. The guy said there didn't seem to be any damage to the engine. And lots of people on here told me the 8v is non interference anyway, so I'm thinking it is least likely to be anything to do with that.

This past week, the steering has been a bit funny, it's felt like the n/s wheel was loose at times. Could it be the drive shaft has gone and fooked the gearbox? But this wouldn't be a reason for it not to start would it? And when I was towed back it was steering fine, no noises etc.

Anybody got any ideas what it might be and what to look out for when I check it out tomorrow?

Cheers

Where did I put my Crystal Balls? 

Could be one of many things... You need to get out and look at it properly.

[mattdebs]

I know this doesn't narrow it down much but I tried starting it again and it does fire up with my foot on the throttle, but as soon as I take it off it dies again.  Fuel problem?  I know it could really be anything and it's hard to say without seeing it but maybe someone has experienced the same or similar and can offer some ideas on what it MAY be.  I'm not looking for a bang on diagnosis, (unless someone does know what it is!    )   just some pointers for things to look for.

[The Mighty Elvi]

^ As above.

Wait till it's light and do the usual process of elimination checks.

[Mitching]

Check the throttle body for dirt if it cuts out when idling?

I had a similar thing happen to me today, I thought I'd hit a pothole but it was a bang coming from the engine bay.
It didn't cut out though.

[mattdebs]

Problem solved    jubilee clip on air intake pipe hadn't been tightened after timing belt work and the pipe had come away a bit so engine wasn't getting enough air. 

[Cory]

nice easy fix