Petrol coming out of Air Filter??????

[8v campaign]

Hi,
recently bought a '88 8v, very pleased with the way it has been running as was my mechanic, however the other night there was a heavy smell of petrol around the car, then the car would not start even with a push start the gauge indicated that there was petrol in the tank, while I was looking around the engine a lot of fuel started pouring out of my induction kit/air filter . Havent brought it to a mechanic yet but was just wondering if anyone could help me to find out what the problem is and if its a big job.
Thanks in advance,
Jack

[Mart8V]

There was a thread from someone with a similar problem very recently- have a search through this category and the "garage" one as well.  Good luck!

[rubjonny]

Sounds liek the ECU might be fried, check the gearbox earth lead if this is missing/loose the ECU ends up toasted!

[wellfan]

Could be the ECU, mine went after a clutch change, when I forgot to reconnect the main earth lead. I fried my ECU, and when ignition was switched on it just switched on the injectors constantly, net result, loads of fuel. My sump was full of petrol. ECU's are not too hard to come by on ebay, cost over £500 plus vat new, if still available from VAG.

[gibby]

Here you go, Mirage- had the same problem so have a look through this thread ---> http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=20796.0 Good luck.