Club 80-90 Forums

Hi my 2.1 is playing up.

Seemed ok last week, but this week I noticed it getting harder & harder to start Felt like it was only starting on 2/3 cylinders but when reved it was fine again.

But today it was a non-starter. Looked for anything loose....no. Have checked coil...good spark. Pulled one lead off, held near engine block, mrs turned it over & it started. Kept it alive by revving reconnected lead. Left it to tick-over....went lumpy & stalled.

Any ideas?
What could breakdown in a matter of days?

As a side note, noticed when I was reving by hand, there seemed to be a whistle from round airbox, like maybe it was sucking air from somewhere. Is this sound normal?

if it idles ok for a while and gradually gets rougher it could be overfuelling. if idles ok then instantly goes to run bad would be more inclined to think spark miss fire.

if you leave it idle and stall and then pull the plugs out quickly you may find that they are wet. ie over fuelling.

i`m guessing.

lee.

why cant you check the wiki????
its working......



sounds like it could be a case of "manky eletrical connections" to me.Mixture not adjusting to temp change.

Got exactly the same problem with my van. Have traced problem to overfueling. Have changed coolant temp sensor for genuine new vw one, no difference. changed ecu with good spare from other van, same . Swapped all sensors, air flow meter etc for ones off other van and still the same. Checked all wiring, cleaned all earths, At the present satill ot fixed so will await helpful responses as well.

Welcome to the world of owning a t3 van. Well worht the hassle though when you drive them me thinks. Coolant temp sensor is the blue one in the thermostat housing. N/s at back of engine bolted onto the head. Easier to fit , just a circlip holds it in and be quick as not to loose to much coolant. Would try thast first as there are less than £10 new genuine from vw.

Okay tried that.....no difference.
Where next?
Have bitten the bullet & ordered a Bentley. £66
What shall I try next while I what for it to arrive?

Karl, check your throttle position switch. If she revs up fine, but is diffiult to start that could be it. Should be able to here a tiny click when you move the throttle from closed. There is a simple off on switch attached, tells the computer to idle the engine. Follow the two wires and check for a make break circuit.

simon

Fixed.

Amazing what looking & poking can do!

Took off the return hose from the fuel regulator (thinking that was the fuel line to see if any fuel was getting through) & it started first turn.
Re-connected hose....non-starter.
Had spare regulator, fitted that. Started first time!

On closer inspection old regulator had been bent at sometime (pre-owner) . Didn't post last night because I wanted to check it would start this morning! It did, first time!

Worth a go Red Bus!