16v cuts out when clutch is down

[james_16v]

Hi
Its been doing this for the last 2 days now mainly when its warm, but randomly chooses when it wants to do it. It always fires back up first turn of the key. I changed the rotor arm & dizzy cap 4 weeks ago & accidentely moved the distributor as its bolts were loose. Car refused to start but after some adjustments it started & ran fine until a couple of days ago. I know the timing will be off but would it cause the above considering its been fine for the weeks after this happened? (good mpg, doesnt hunt for revs etc). Apologies if ive answered my own question, but im trying to learn as I go along. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Cheers guys

[Diamond Hell]

Get it timed.

[rubjonny]

agreed!
If it carries on doing it after have a look at the round black/grey plastic thing (over-run cutoff) joined to the back of the airbox and bottom/side of the intake pipe with chunky hoses, it also has an electrical plug and a vacuum lead.  Mine did the same until I replaced this, it is supposed to catch the rpm when you lift off at high revs, then drop slowly to idle.  I got around the problem in the short term by disconnecting the isv control unit red/black wire up by the coil

[james_16v]

Cheers or the advice both
Ive been putting off getting it timed until I fitted a new distributor as when I changed the dizzy cap I noticed it was leaking a little oil. Ive got a replacement waiting so ill stick it on tonight & get it timed tomorrow. Just seems strange, as its ran fine for 3-4 weeks and its suddenly started playing up.
Rubjonny - How much am i looking at for a new over run cutoff part you mentioned? cant find anything on GSF or Eurocarparts. Also if I disconect the ISV (short term) am I going to do any run into any other problems?
Cheers

[Diamond Hell]

Check the bolt that secures the dizzi is tight.

[rubjonny]

I've not seen them new from the likes of gsf, from vag:
027 133 985 A - 53.79+VAT

I'd be on the look out for one off ebay or the classifieds.  I dont think they often go wrong, I cleaned mine out with petrol before I fitted the engine, I assumed thats why it died!
If yours does it consistantly it may be the unit itself is ok but the wiring from it to the ISV control unit is damaged or the vacuum connections have come loose?

[james_16v]

Update
Drove the car to work as is Thursday & Friday and can confirm that it only cuts out when its up to temp (about 20 minutes of driving, temp gauge halfway), its perfect from stone cold. I assume this rules out the over run cut off. The ISV seems fine and buzzes on startup. Ive changed the distributor but cant get it timed as it wont idle when warm. Also the temperature light has started flashing as soon as I start the car and stays on more or less constantly. Coolant level is fine and its not overheating so could this be the coolant temp sensor? Could this being knackered cause my warm idle troubles?
Cheers

[sharpie]

try moving the dizzy so that you can get it to idle and then time it from there.

[james_16v]

Took the car to be timed yesterday and they set it up with no problems. Didnt cut out once on my 50 mile round trip to work so fingers crossed its all sorted. Thanks for everybodys help & suggestions.