Losing power

[Waspy]

So driving home last night the car just suddenly started to crawl, didn't die, just lost drive. My tank was getting low, so assumed it was fuel. Pulled over and let it sit for 30 secs and it seemed to sort itself out. I set off again aiming for the petrol station. On route it did it again. But since the petrol station was in sight I just kept my foot on the throttle, after about 10 seconds it burst back into life. Filled up (48 ltrs, so the tank wasn't like really empty), no issues after that. However this morning it did it again. I pulled over. When I got out there was a strong smell of fuel/oil. Checked the under the bonnet for leaks, but couldn't see any.

As I was late for work, and it was raining I just left it where it was (about 2 miles from my house) and got a taxi...

So, anything obvious I should be looking for? I don't want to drive it, as the smell concerned me. (Once bitten, twice shy)

[Brighouse-gti]

I think I remember a thread of yours from a while back, was it you who had the engine bay fire, and what is it you drive again, 8v 16v?

[Waspy]

Yep, mine was the engine bay fire. Thats why I'm worried about the smell. I had a quick look in the bay at where it leaked last time and there wasn't any signs of a leak, but I need to walk up and check it tomorrow morning properly.

Its an 8v mate

[Sgt_Lemon]

I had to change a fuel line on Monday as it was stinking of fuel and I found the return line from the fuel rail f**ked. Think it may have also be causing vapour lock when it got too hot.

[Waspy]

I replaced all the rubber lines after the fire, and the plastic ones were in good nick. I hope it isn't the lines ...

[Waspy]

Checked the car over for leaks this morning and found nothing. Drove it home, extinguisher in hand, with no issues. The only even remotely related problem I found was that one of the sensors on top of the oil filter housing was discounted (corroded wire) but I'm guessing that's not going to be the source of my issues.

[gazareth]

could be an ignition problem and unburnt fuel your smelling due to it not firing properly. distributors are very common fault on the gtis.

[Sgt_Lemon]

With it running go and sniff the exhaust. If it's not igniting all the fuel then you will be able to smell the hydrocarbons.

[Waspy]

Okay, after a month of not driving it, its time to sort this out.

Because it isn't constant in doing it, it is really bloody hard to tell if/when I have fixed it. And because of this I don't want to drive it on a motorway (losing drive and power steering at 70 isn't going to be fun), rendering my car virtually useless *sigh*

I am spitballing here. So bare with me. The exhaust smells pretty fuelly. So I am guessing ignition. But what would cause it to run, then not run, then run? Is it possible for the timing to vary while driving (i.e fall out enough to stop it running, then re-align so it has power again) if you see what I mean?

[Brighouse-gti]

Think we're now in the same boat, almost. Mine didn't cut out whilst driving, fortunately I'd stopped. But yeah, got in car this morn, drove to work, happy days. Dinner time, gets in car to pop to shop, briefly runs, 2-3 seconds and dies. I can hear the pump priming ect ect, but when I start it, it's like the fuel pump doesn't go into 'run' mode if you like. I've had a tinker, as I had no food to eat cos I was going to get some, and I'm pondering if its the ignition switch what's at fault. Depending on which wires behind the unit I wriggle, depends on how loud the pump whirls, if that makes sense. Would a failing ignition switch cause the car to run, not run in this way or is it just coincidence?? Thoughts??