New Symptom (NG in 89 90Q)

[Huw Powell]

On 12/1/2010 4:33 PM, Vincent Gelinas wrote:
> Okay this is weird. Not too long ago my car would at least idle. Now, there
> is nothing. I.E after I crank it and turn the key back to on, it will fire.
> Slowly. Tick, tick, tick, tick, almost how an old, large diesel used to
> start when cold. Any suggestions? I can't find anything on it

Back to basics...

Air

Good clean filter
No squirrel nest in trachea
Verify air plate rises when engine is trying to draw air (put 3mm allen 
in adjuster, it should rise with plate)
Can feel some pressure at exhaust outlet while cranking

Fuel

Relay and pump work
Not too much or too little - plugs not soaked but not dry if not firing.
Pull an injector and run it into a container while cranking (a chore on 
this engine)
Listen for excess fuel returning to tank - sounds like a tiny waterfall

Spark

Should be nice and strong
Check timing, especially if the distributor lock plate has been removed
Firing order - triple check plug wires on distributor
Gap all plugs to spec

Also associated here is cam/crank timing - do all marks line up 
correctly?  Put engine at TDC, flywheel "0" should be on the mark at 
tranny, mark on back of camshaft should line up with top of cam cover 
gasket, rotor should point to #1 spark plug wire on cap.

Pull the passenger side kick panel (lower right) and make sure ignition 
ECU is dry and always has been.

Make sure all fuses are in fusebox and are good (especially the two on 
the side under the clip that says "engine" or some such).


-- 
Huw Powell

http://www.humanspeakers.com/audi

http://www.humanthoughts.org/