General Advice On My Engine And Running Problems

[cooper001 0]

Hi all,

 

First Proper Post and just wanted a bit of advice on my problems. I've got a G reg 1.9 gti all standard spec. Over the last few months i've got it back up and running after spending 10 years stood. I've been taking it down to a local garage in Chesterfield. After they'd got it back up and running i took it for them to get setup properly. They then told me after doing work on it for 2 months they did a pressure test and one cylinder has no pressure on inlet and outlet.

 

However i think it is just a bit sticky as sometimes on startup it drops to 3 cylinders and then after a minute is fine. I wondered what advice you guys would give on what to do? I believe it had a head gasket go a year or so before it was taken off the road 10 years ago.

 

Also it never starts first time. I have to move the throttle about to get to the right setting and then it starts. Then it runs at 2k for a while then drops to stalling if not keep gently tapping the throttle. I'm guessing its running rich as its chugging through petrol.

 

This is all very un-technical i know but i'm not the greatest at fixing cars and terms to use sadly. I know my way round thanks to rallying and karting but no good at working out what the problem is.

 

So the question is. Should i get the head rebuilt? Change parts of the induction system, the carbs and throttle?

 

Thanks in advance for any advice in advance. I know this stuff has all been mentioned before i'm sure but with it all happening at the same time i don't know where to start!!

 

Cheers

 

Chris

[Tom Fenton 1,542]

First thing I would suggest is that you need to establish via a compression test the condition of the valves/piston rings. If there is a definite problem on one cylinder then this needs sorting out before spending (wasting) money on other components that may be OK.

[ALEX 98 1 Cars]

I'd do your own pressure test, they're about £15-£20 off ebay/Halfords, get a screw in type (Gunsons or something)

It's a really easy test, instuctions come with it.

It's better than trusting garages, as I've had them tell me whole load of porkies in the hope that I'll just walk away because they can't be bothered to fix a not so easy problem. Trust me most garages are quite lazy when it comes to old cars.

 

Theres two test you can do with a pressure tester, check the rings by a tablespoon or teaspoon? (can't remember) of oil down the plug hole and compare them without to check the valves.

Post up your results on here and We'll tell you if they're about right or not.

 

Don't forget to open the throttle though when cranking over the engine, I always forget to do that part.

[DrSarty 90 1 Cars]

And if the engine has sat for 10 years - without being run - then it's quite possible that the coolant mix has played havoc with the head gasket and perhaps some other internals. It may be just a corroded/eaten away head gasket which is now weak, and is a little tempremental giving good and bad seals and hence funny readings. I too recommend your own comp test.

 

I also hope you changed the 10 year old oil (because you haven't really told us much), and you've mentioned changing carbs when you early on said it was all standard.

 

[cooper001 0]

Thanks for the reply guys! When i get out of work and its not dark i may get chance to give it a try!

 

And yes the oil has been changed. twice since it has been running i think. Can't remember now. Also i was meaning things like the throttle body and AFM.