mk2 golf gti 8v digi, turns over but wont fire up????

[newlad]

hi all,
the car will just turn over but wont fire, any advice on where I should start? I read up about a hall sender so I changed the distributor today, the timing is correct, I'm no mechanic but am quite competent with tools, just don't know where to start 
cheers

[oakgreener]

First off check that there's fuel there by taking a plug out. If you've been cranking for any  time they will be wet.
If so take the king lead out of the dizzy, the one in the centre, and hold it a few mill from the block while cranking. You should get a fat spark. Try that then come back

[newlad]

Hi, ok I turned he over a couple of times today, no start again,
I checked each plug, all have petrol on them, also there is a spark to the block,
Thank you for your help so far

[oakgreener]

If you have a spark to the block from the king lead next try each plug in turn by holding the plug body to the block.
You should have a nice fat spark. If you haven't, fit new plugs and a new dizzy cap and rotor arm. Not a bad idea to do this  if they've done 5 or 6K anyway.
If the spark cracks nicely you may have a timing issue. .Good luck

[Wayne]

Is the fuel pump working as it should.

[newlad]

hi all, been through the mill with this car now, new symptoms are - turn key and hear the rear pump engaging and nothing happens after that, no turn over, nothing,
its had new - plugs, leads, distributor, timing is done (including ignition)
don't know whats next!

[Sgt_Lemon]

So nothing happens when you turn the key? If your still getting a spark on every cylinder and the timing has been done then check the fuel pumps properly. You might be getting the pump prime on ignition but not pump when you go to start (just because a pump is making a noise doesn't mean it's doing anything). Get a big container and pull the fuel line in the engine bay. Test to see if your getting a good amount of fuel. If not then check your relay and fuse, then test the pump in the tank first. If your gunna keep trying to start as well leave your battery on charge.

[newlad]

Cheers buddy, get straight on it first thing in the morning,
Is there a second pump? Could you tell me where it's located please?
Thanks again

[Mr Blue]

If you turn the key and the starter motor doesn't engage:

Clean up the red/black wire on the starter motor - this triggers the solenoid and the contact might just be dirty or you nudged it.

If its a fault at the ignition switch. Put the ignition ON. Then just bridge the red/black connector on starter to the red on the starter. Engine should now turn over.
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You normally have the original start issue if the ignition module is blown (sits ontop of the ECU) - test with a spare.

If the fuel pump constantly primes past 3 seconds - ECU is blown (big earth lead issue)

[newlad]

I think the ignition module has been changed, also the pump does prime constantly, so I guess it may be an ECU then!