1988 Volkswagen Cabriolet Problem with Restarting

Tiny
CRAZYNAVYJEFF
  • MEMBER
  • 1988 VOLKSWAGEN CABRIOLET
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 143,000 MILES
My VW is in great shape, My son and I have done a great deal of work in the last year, new coil, complete tune up (all new parts), ALL new cooling system including the oil cooler and all hoses and fan motors. We replaced both fuel pumps, new filters and flushed fuel system, idle/timing professionally set do to the CIS system and special tools needed. All vacuum hoses changed and properly routed (not sure what the previous owner thought), new battery and alternator as well as voltage regulator. Compression is great less than 2 LBS difference per cylinder (believe engine has been rebuilt), new Idle air control valve as well. It runs great (31 mpg) but I have one problem, if I do a short trip let’s say less than 1 mile and shut the car off, It does not want to restart for at least 30 minutes, if you are cranking it the problem seems to be ignition not fuel or air delivery. Help
Sunday, September 5th, 2010 AT 6:21 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
CRAZYNAVYJEFF
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I also learned that the VW 1.8 liter CIS engine hates vacuum leaks, so every vacuum line it tight and several have clamps holding them. I just hate hit or miss troubleshooting.I suspect the ignition module, the fuel system has been fully groomed as well as the air intake and top end of the engine is spotless. The problem with restarting only happens when you drive less then 1 mile and if you wait 5-10 minutes it will restart like nothing is wrong. This would not be a problem if the donut shop was further from our house.
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Tuesday, September 7th, 2010 AT 12:21 AM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
If I do a short trip let's say less than 1 mile and shut the car off, It does not want to restart for at least 30 minutes, if you are cranking it the problem seems to be ignition not fuel or air delivery.

Next time it pulls this stuffs on you -don't wait for nothing troubleshoot it immediately-do below and fill me in what's happening/testing results-Let me know-we start here

Get a helper disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine atleast 3/16 away from ground-have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel related problem, If you can hear the fuel pump come On- check the fuel pressure with a fuel pressure tester designed for your fuel system to rule out the fuel filter/fuel pick-up strainer/fuel pump/pressure regulator and also listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light and see if it flashing, If you don't hear the fuel pump, check the fuel pump fuse and fuel pump relay-Depends on what type ignition system is yours, No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs, coil's resistances, distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, camshaft and crankshaft position sensors and computer Note: If it doesn't apply to your vehicle disregard it meaning if it doesn't come with one ignore it and continue testing
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Tuesday, September 7th, 2010 AT 5:51 PM

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