Re: Help! Can't start it up...

["Mike Watz" <watz@csdarc4.cnd.hp.com>]

I had a similar thing happen on my '85 4KSQ -- it made a 'strange' noise while
turning over one morning, then crank as I would, I couldn't get it to fire....

So I checked to make sure that timing belt wasn't broken (cam rotated)......
had it taken to a tiny little VW shop and the German mechanic found that the
timing belt WAS loose and had jumped a couple teeth -- sending it too far out
of time to start.........

He readjusted the belt for $40 and retensioned it (?) and said that the belt
looked good...... it ran fine!  I was happy that I didn't have to replace the
belt.

-Mike-

P.S. Just as a note, I estimate that that belt had about 150K miles on it (it
was the original).......I recently had it replaced .......just as prev. maint.


>      URGENT!  I need all your helps, pls...  Here's what happened to my
>      '89-90 (non-q):
>
>      1) This morning (temp outside: 56F), when I--first, started the engine
>      I heard a _not too loud_ pop sound from the engine area.  The engine
>      was cranking, but it was not _fully_ started.  (The engine sound liked
>      it was coughing/fought to idle, not smooth as usual, then it stopped
>      when I let go the key from the start position.)
>
>      2) Waited for 1-2 mins, then, restarted it again.  The engine was
>      cranking but not completely started.
>
>      3) Checked the diagnostics...got all OKs.
>
>      4) Restarted it again, the same result in 2)
>
>      5) Restarted--w/ the gas pedal pushed to half way, the engine started
>      but its sound was very scary--like it was coughing w/ some
>      _intermittent/moderately loud popping sounds_.  (Its sound liked the
>      engine fought to run at the idle rpm w/ the intermittent popping noise
>      in the background.)  When I let go the gas pedal, it stalled right
>      away.
>
>      6) As of now, I can't start the engine, unless I pumped the gas half
>      way.  (But the engine would run w/ a very horrible sound in 5)
>
>      7) Opened the oil cap & cranked the engine, the cam was turning OK.
>
>      8) Checked the dist. cap, rotor, spark plugs, it's OK--got a juice.
>
>      From all above, could you pls let me know...what went wrong w/ my 90.
>      Anyone BTDT, pls let me know the fix & how much $$$ it's going to cost
>      me.  :(
>

-- 
Michael C. Watz
CSD
Non-hp-ftcollins
mike_watz@fc.hp.com