Mk3 8v eratic idling and choked then died...

[Zentigrade]

Hello all, I'm new here and indeed, new to VW cars and I have a problem 

I've just snagged myself a mk3 8v GTI on an R plate, 115k miles, very good nick and very good
service history up 'till the end of last year.
  Here's the problem:  It's been driving fine including the 30 mile trip to pick it up, and a 30 mile
round trip to work. Now, yesterday evening, as it was low on fuel I filled up at Tesco, all
seemed fine. I got about four miles up the road and gunned it across a busy crossroads
and a minute later the car choked and died, and I couldn't get it to re-start without it choking
and dying straight away. I got out the car and looked under the bonnet, checking the alternator and
connections as I've had a couple go on past cars, all seemed fine, and besides the instrumentation
didn't go crazy just prior. I got back in the car after about 5 mins and the car started, bit wobbly
then fine.
   Now, I've looked again today (In daylight) and all seems fine EXCEPT the idle speed seems erratic.

   Could my problems be associated with each other? I've assumed it was a fuel delivery problem
and intend to change the fuel filter, I'm also going to change the spark plugs (Bosch super 4's)
and HT leads. I've done the air filter so that's fine.
  Anyone had similar problems and have a solution or suggestion? Any help appreciated

[boneybradley]

temp sensor?? ecu or fuel pump relays??
try the relay fix first.....most common fault on the mk3

[Zentigrade]

Right, so assuming I want a good running car (And I do!) what sort of cost am I looking at to hit all three of those at
once, no mucking around? Engine knowledge for me is intermediate, so a guiding hand is always welcome! Then I'll research
what is what, and get on order
and fit myself..
at the mo I keep driving my other car to get bits for this one

[boneybradley]

relays about £10-12 each from vw and temp sensor about £8...

[Zentigrade]

Ok, thanks, I'll get on it this week see if that sorts it out.
As the Haynes manual is so damn vague, can someone advise me
 on where these parts are? Got no problem changing parts,
not so hot on locating them in the first place

[Zentigrade]

Apologies for the bump but I'm getting desperate now. Looks like I'm driving my Rover
to work on Monday
It's just done it again, after about half hour of running around. Just totally
randomly splutters then dies, wait five mins and it will start again and do another couple
of miles before exactly the same thing. Now it's too risky to drive it as my journey to
work is on a B road with too many dangerous places to break down.
  Anyone had exactly the same thing? Was it one of the above?
I've solved the idling by changing the plugs, leads and dizzy cap and arm.
  HEEEEEEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLLLLPPPPPPPPPPP!!!!!!!!! :embarassed:

Oh, and I must point out, it does it no matter what speed or revs, not at a junction yet...

[firstgolfgti]

Does it cut out when the engine is hot, cold or both?

[Zentigrade]

Seemingly only hot. Run around for half hour, then the problem kicks in...
And again every couple of miles....

[firstgolfgti]

Same problem I had back in March. Start the car runs for about 20/30mins or reaches 75/80-degrees think which ever is first. Then cuts out without warning, and can't re-start it at least for 30mins until engine has cooled but as soon as it gets back up to normal operating temperature dies. Therefore making it impossible to drive without breaking down.

Right it took my local garage an age to fix it but there was a whole list of items they changed or tested. I did the relays (ECU & Fuel Pump).
They said it was a wiring fault and the only thing I could visually see that they had fixed was a crimp connector on what looks like a temperature sensor on the right-hand side of the engine just below the camshaft cover if you're looking at the engine. It has a boot cover protecting the crimp so you may not see it straight off.

There was one other item that I got them to change even though they were dead against it that being the crankshaft sensor this is down near the oil filter close to one of the engine mounts. This can cost from £40-£140 the later if bought from VW. Before you get this far down it worth checking obviously the relays but also the ignition coil these are common faults.

Though this a common fault with the majority of mk3's there's not one item that I could point to and say that's the faulty part so you might want to look thru the maintanence section or do a search. Good luck

[Zentigrade]

Thank you, have been suspecting the crankshaft sensor but can't find the damn thing in the Haynes manual!
I'm going to start ordering parts one by one I think, so I'll probably post for help later on!
I would put it into my local VW dealers but I have a feeling it would cost me an arm and a leg