Seize or no seize?

[Harooshum]

Recently when trying to start my 16v, the fuel pump engages along with the ignition, but when trying to start, it wont even crank and the dash lights dim when the key is in the "start" position.  So what I do is allow the car to roll slowly in neutral, then release the clutch in gear to "slightly" turn the engine.  Then the starter seems to work as normal.

Why the hell does the starter only work when the engine position is moved slightly.  My other "enthusiast frustration" post is more detailed in my probs, but this looks like a head gasket prob?  But it does drive, if lumpy.

Harry

[Blue MK2]

omg! that was the first problem i had on my 8v. The mechanic did something to the starter motor. maybe you wanna check that area?

[Harooshum]

cheers man, i cant "see" anything wrong with my starter though, but u recon it needs reconditioning?

h.

[Blue MK2]

not sure mate. It turned out to be that thing attached to the motor which blew and caught fire. (just my luck)

[Harooshum]

Well I hope I dont have your luck, mine is more than bad enough.  What do u think about my "small" radiator.  Source of prob about bursting hoses?

[richandhazel]

Looking at the pictures you sent me, I think your head gasket is 'badly' gone causing your engine to pressurize your cooling system, hence bursting hoses and leaks. Either its your head gasket or a problem with the head, either way it needs to come off.

As for the egine turning over slowly/not at all on start up....sounds like your problem might be connected with the head problem..........I reckon coolant is getting into one or more cylinders and when you go to start it, it is hydraulicing.........bet you get white smoke out the back when it does start.

[rubjonny]

Might be the bush at the end of the starter motor failing to engage properly, or a shafted motor.  You can buy the bushes seperately for like a quid from http://www.gsfcarparts.com  Worth a go before you buy a new starter motor!

[richandhazel]

Here are the pics he sent

http://www.richandhazel.servebeer.com/gti/general/Harry/index.html

[mk1]

Agree with Rich, monster head gasket or head problem . Looks like there has been a lot of coolant finding its way into the oil down the sides of the pistons and giving you the hard starting due to the hydraulic lock as the piston tries to compress the coolant in the cylinder. Bet it misfires like a ba$tard when you get it going and leaves a trail of smoke behind it :-[.
Steve.

[Harooshum]

Yep u got that right mk1.  I dont know if changing only the head gasket would sort it, coz I'm not sure if the whole head needs replacing.  As for taking the head off, is it just a matter of soaking up the contents in the cylinder(s) with a sponge, or do u think the block or bottom end needs changing aswell?

The reason I talk about the block is because the cooling system has been running only water without coolant for a while.  If this has caused more internal problems, then fixing only the head gasket would lead to the same probs happening again.  H.