1996 Volkswagen Golf 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Manual 146000 miles
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I replaced the distributor in my 2.0 Volkswagen Golf.
It did not help. It turns over almost starts and then
just turns over. It has gas getting to the regulator.
I have spark at the distributor. It has to be a sensor that has the gas shut off? Trouble codes have been
cleared? It was giving me the 341 TDC camshaft sensor code? At this point I am out of ideas?
So, unless you have another suggestion. I guess it is
destined for the Auto Shop?

Check your timing belt and the timing belt tensioner.

That code has to do with timing...assuming the distributer is in right....not to say it isn't.

I have replaced the timing belt. Even though the
original belt was in good shape and all markers were lined up? I have replaced the Mass Air Sensor and
the distributor? New spark plugs.

This is going to be really obvious when we figure it
out.

Lets go back to the beginning. Were there symptoms of concern that lead up to the work, or was it without warning, just didn't start, or were you fixing something that wasn't broken. (maintenance, like the timing belt)

It was running great. While driving, thankfully almost
home, it started missing and hesitating. The engine
light came on. I got it to the driveway, and shut it off. Iit wouldn't start after. First thing I did was check the engine code.(341) It took me several days to find someone that could tell me that this car does not have a camshaft TDC sensor. And that it was the Hall's Effect sensor. But, being the sceptic.
I have great spark and the distributor and the spark
plugs? So, on vacation I ran into a guy who said that he specialized in foriegn cars. He said that if the speedometer was moving slightly when the car is turned over it was generally a indication of the Mass
Air sensor being bad? I had checked the fuel pump and filter? This is a sensor related gas shut off situation? I have great pressure to the gas regulator?
No gas is getting to the cylinder after the brain translates this problem. It almost starts the first time you turn it over then just turns over after that?
This is the 2.0 engine.
Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Okay if fuel isn't getting to the combustion chamber, than Take some carb cleaner and spray it into the throttle body and see if it starts for a moment.

This may confirm your theory...assuming the timing and spark are on like we believe.