Re: Hard Starts 80/Q

["Christopher A. Woodward" <cwoodwar@bellsouth.net>]

Leaky injector.

Chris
'97 A4t

Robert A Strain wrote:

> Hey ALL<
> I am experiencing hard starts with my 1988 80 Quattro-sometimes.  In the
> morning it starts after a few cranks, but after driving for approx. 1/2
> hour then letting it sit for a couple of hours I have an identical problem
> each time I try to start it again.  There are always three attempts to
> start it.  The first is a few cranks then a sputter and then it dies.  The
> second try is just cranks with NO firing.  Then the third attempt is a few
> cranks and the engine slowly begins to fire up--seemingly one cylinder at
> a time.  At this point, I floor the gas pedal and the engine builds its
> revs up until it evens out, then it runs regularly.
>
> Also, when it is hot (summer) the car will run with hick-ups from a stand
> still ( stoplight).  I have checked for vacuum leaks--none.  The car has
> 178,000 miles on it, but very well maintained.  I have replaced the intake
> hood, all hoses, ntc sensor, etc.  The only things that I have not
> replaced are: cold start valve, idle control valve, and the fuel
> distributor.  How could I best trouble shoot these last three items
> without making a faulty diagnosis.  I tried the buy-til-it-dies technique,
> but I have spent a fortune on parts and the problem has not died yet.
>
> The engine does not consume oil or smoke, so I think that the rings are
> fine.  All tune up duties have been done twice ( spark plug wires,
> filters, belts (including timing) etc).  Coil perhaps?  Electronic
> ignition?  ECU should not be doing this, I hear that they either work or
> they don't.  I re-torqued the head to ensure a leak free situation there.
> But, lately I have noticed as the weather gets cold, my RPMs will run up
> around 2000 for quite a while (5-min. passed the warmed up point)then drop
> to 1200 instead of the normal 800rpm.  But when the weather is balmy, it
> starts and runs at 1600 then drops to 800 when warm.
>
> Any takers want to try and help me hammer this out? (I wouldn't blame you
> if you didn't).  It has always been proven that sometimes you can get so
> wrapped up in a car's problems that someone else can come along and point
> at the simplest thing you may have over-looked.  BE THAT PERSON!!
>
> Thanks a lot for the ear,
>
> 80 Quattro Rob.