VW Golf Problem

skyblueheroes · 30-08-2004, 22:19

Okay, any car people around ???

Got a problem with my MK2 Golf. Basically, all of a sudden it keeps cutting out when idle. Okay when driving, but as soon as revs bottom out it cuts out.

I have not had a look at any thing yet, but presumably it won't be caused by flat battery (as it starts), or oil ?

Any ideas ??

**Russ B** · 30-08-2004, 22:20

Sparkplugs might need cleaning/replacing?

Pritch · 30-08-2004, 22:23

Could be a fuel problem. Check the fuel filter, it may be a bit clogged. Could also be that the idle speed needs upping a bit.

ZrByte · 30-08-2004, 22:25

Dont know if you would have the same problem on a car but my bike used to do the same thing when I got it because the Engine Idle speed was set too low. As I said im not sure if it would work the same on a car but maybe worth a look?

EDIT: looks like pritch beat me to it

Julian · 30-08-2004, 22:27

I would also look for an air leak.

It could be a vacuum hose split that is allowing too much air to be drawn in and lowering the idle speed.

If it has a carb it could have dirt in there.

HTH

greencreeper · 30-08-2004, 22:53

Take it to a carb specialistic - he/she will attach to this computer whatsit and fiddle about and the car will work. That's as much as I know, having seen it done.

skyblueheroes · 31-08-2004, 11:23

Cheers guys. Will have a little look tonight !

SMHarman · 31-08-2004, 12:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by skyblueheroes

Got a problem with my MK2 Golf. Basically, all of a sudden it keeps cutting out when idle. Okay when driving, but as soon as revs bottom out it cuts out.

Any ideas ??

Which one, model, engine size, colour

?

skyblueheroes · 31-08-2004, 19:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by SMHarman

Which one, model, engine size, colour

?

Golf Mk2 - Driver F Reg.

Oh, and Red

paulyoung666 · 31-08-2004, 19:19

is the air filter clean ??????????? , i would also agree about the idle being set too low

, does it have power steering , if the idle is too low then a little turn of the wheel could drag it into stalling

31-08-2004, 19:45

Dont and I repeat DO NOT call out mobile engine tuning geezers.
They couldnt fix one piece of paper to another with a gallon of superglue.

I'd go for idle speed, On my Fiat Uno the idle screw actually fell out of the carb so i had some major probs till I found out why.

New plugs, new air filter and depending on the age it may be worth checking on the ignition module. Haynes manuals are quite good for a rough guide to tuning, it may help you decide if its the idle speed.
Usually it means turning in until it cuts out and moving out 1/4 turn. Then get a specialist to take a look.

Alos check the colour of the plug ends, it'll indicate if the fuel is burning correctly.

paulyoung666 · 31-08-2004, 19:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by timewarrior2001

Dont and I repeat DO NOT call out mobile engine tuning geezers.
They couldnt fix one piece of paper to another with a gallon of superglue.

I'd go for idle speed, On my Fiat Uno the idle screw actually fell out of the carb so i had some major probs till I found out why.

New plugs, new air filter and depending on the age it may be worth checking on the ignition module. Haynes manuals are quite good for a rough guide to tuning, it may help you decide if its the idle speed.
Usually it means turning in until it cuts out and moving out 1/4 turn. Then get a specialist to take a look.

Alos check the colour of the plug ends, it'll indicate if the fuel is burning correctly.

something like the colour of a rich tea biscuit should be about right

snodvan · 31-08-2004, 20:06

Just sold my Mk2 Golf (LH Drive, D reg)

I had an infuriating problem of the engine cutting out at all sorts of irregular times but mostly when at idle speeds. Turned out to be a split in the flexible petrol pipe where it clips around the air filter and next to a worm-drive clip by the fuel pump. Most times there was no problem but when the engine was idling there was a bit more vibration. the split in the pipe opened up/ air in the petrol = more vibration =more air leak = stalled engine.

Incidentally on the fuel pump issue - do you find the BACK of the engine is oily?

I also spent ages trying to find out why this happened. The problem can be due to the petrol pump! Sounds odd and I spent ages thinking the head gasket was blowing somewhere. It seems that the fuel pump is lubricated by engine oil but there is an oil seal in the pump to stop the oil getting into the petrol. If the oil seal fails/ is failing there is a fail-safe device that will STILL stop the oil getting into the petrol - the oil ejects out of a small hole in the pump and spreads all over the back of the engine!

Have fun

SMHarman · 31-08-2004, 20:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by skyblueheroes

Golf Mk2 - Driver F Reg.

Oh, and Red

Thats a 1.6 carb engine so all the above is bang on accurate.
Any decent MOT garage should be able to look at it also as they need all the test equipment to measure the MOT pass/fail.

skyblueheroes · 31-08-2004, 20:55

Yep, doing that tomorrow - taking to MOT garage. Ta for help - will let you know.