VW T25 2.1 auto starting issues

[Jordan Bigcat]

Hi,
I've got a VW T25 2.1 auto, it's always had issues starting but I've done bits over the years, new battery, full stainless steel exhaust, and it had been running brilliantly. I had been using super unleaded, ie the higher grade ones, shell v power, momentum etc. higher RON. I recently took it on a trip to Bristol from Liverpool so a good old drive, it started first time no worries, Friday, Saturday and sunday, when it came to going homew Monday it wouldn't start, called the AA out, they couldn't fix it, it had fuel, a spark etc. couldn't work out why. I got them to check the compression manually and he said it was a bit low, around 100 but he still thought it should've started.
The night before I stopped at a grage to fill up and they only had normal petrol, I filled it up anyway as there was about quarter of a tank left of the higher grade and we were in the middle of nowhere.
I'm desperate to get my van in a state when I know it is reliable and wont let me down, what can I do???
Could the lower grade fuel be a cause?
What should I look at to fix it and make sure it starts first time everytime?
I was thinking of going to an auto electrician and getting all the electrical connections re done but he said I'd need to buy a wiring loom and it could be expensive.
Has anyone please got any suggestions what would be the best things to do?
Thanks,
Jordan

[tforturton]

First thing to do is let us know where you are - someone nearby may be able to help you.
Second thing is to find someone (ie. a local garage) who knows something about these vehicles. If we knew where you were, we could make some suggestions. By the way, anyone who suggests you need to replace the whole wiring loom can be dismissed immediately.
Thirdly, read the Wiki (up at the top) and also try using the search facility (top right) to look for similar queries.
These symptoms could be caused by one of a whole list of things, but it's probably going to be something simple, and it's not likely to be the sudden change of fuel.

[Smiffo]

I can't help with your specific problem, but I would say one thing...

Don't take the fact that the AA said the spark was Ok, as a `given` fact.
When my van broke down shortly after getting it, they told me the same thing - "fuel, Spark, can't work it out mate..."

Turns out the coil was on the way out and the spark was too weak to make it run. ( Or something like that. It needed a new coil anyway. )
I would definitely double check what they told you - especially if the garage you asked, informed you to buy a new loom..!!

Start from basics again and either work through the WIKI and directions from people here, or find a specialist garage that knows the vehicles.

[Jordan Bigcat]

Thanks guys, I'm based on the Wirral, Merseyside.

It was an auto electrician who suggested a loom, but not in response to the van not starting - just if I wanted to get all the electrical connections checked and re-done - I've heard that this is a worthwhile thing to do for general performance etc.

I've got it booked in at a VW/Audi specialist in Hoylake - not heard great things about them though (just hope UI can get it started to take it there).

When I've looked, albeit briefly on forums, I get things like changing the ignition coil, the ignition leads, as this might help, or my worry is that it's low compression and could be an expensive fix

[Jordan Bigcat]

Any tips on a decent place to take it, Wirral, Liverpool, Chester etc. would be much appreciated - keep trying but not finding anyone who seems to know a lot about T25s - Thanks

[DaveyP2004]

http://www.gasure.co.uk/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I think the owner is a member of this forum ?

Cheers,
Dave

[Jordan Bigcat]

Cheers Dave - I'm going to give him a ring tomorrow

[tforturton]

Big thumbs up for Gasure. Never used them myself, but they have a good name on this site.

[R0B]

Steve and John at gasure get my vote.Be prepared for a wait as they are usually booked up for some time.

[Jordan Bigcat]

Thanks for the help everyone. It's been fixed for now by the garage I got it too, and I've got myself booked in with Gasure in October, actually really looking forward to taking it to a pro

[Sir Brixalot]

What was it in the end?