Will-
Smelling fuel means either a leak or flooding; opening the throttle will
permit more air to flow through, and let a flooded engine start. So, too
much fuel could point to a leaking injector, especially if it leaks down
while the engine is off. Try a couple of cranks, then smell the tailpipe
region for raw fuel, and look (and smell) under the hood for the same. If
the tailpipe reeks of gasoline and the engine compartment is fine, flooding
is almost certainly the problem.
An injector that's leaking with engine off means that you'll have raw
fuel in that cylinder (flooded), AND it will result in low (or no) pressure
in the fuel system, adding to the starting woes by preventing fuel injectors
from spraying into the rest of the cylinders. Suggestion: try turning the
key to the "Start" position for only a half-second or so, then releasing to
the "Run" position. Listen for the fuel pump to run. Do this a couple of
times, and you'll have full pressure in the system; NOW try actually
starting the engine.
You may be able to find out which injector leaks: crank the engine a few
times, then halt proceedings and pull the spark plugs. If one is wet and
three dry, you have your culprit. It MIGHT even be part of an erratic idle
problem. Flooding can lead to another problem, potentially, by damaging the
catalytic converter (aka the catatonic perverter). If it plugs up, you'll
be 'way down on power.
These suggestions are kind of generic: almost doesn't matter which kind
of car or fuel injection system you have. Anyone with specific knowledge
about the early '90s 8 valve cars may be able to get more specific, or
correct anything I've said if they [the cars, that is!] have a particular
system quirk.
Ron
If yer gonna use the left lane, use the right pedal!
{It came to me on the way home yesterday; can anyone guess the
circumstances? Sorry, that's not a GUESS}
----- Original Message -----
From: "Will K>" <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, July 21, 2001 2:00 AM
Subject: Hard Starting (new Jetta owner)
Hey guys,
I am the proud owner of my first VW. Its a 91 Jetta GL in fairly good
shape. Only trouble is a few engine bugs I need to work out. Thats where
you guys come in...
1. It needs a new temp sensor. The guage on the dash doesn't work, and the
light is blinking. Would this cause irratic idle? I ordered a new one from
the dealership and it wont be in until monday. Which one is the one I need
to replace? Is it the one closest to the engine where the thermostat is?
There is a blue one and a black one (blue closest to the engine).
2. Sometimes it is really hard to start, and will only start if I give it
lots of gas, but I can smell fuel before I give it gas. I was thinking a
leaking injector, but I am not sure. Could this be related to #1? I have
heard bad things about the 8v injection systems from this era, any ideas?
Thanks for any help. I need it in order to make this car a good daily
driver...
Will Keegan, Harrison Twp. MI
86 Shelby Omni GLHS #28 (turbo intercooled)
86 Omni GLH Turbo (just sold for the jetta)
91 Jetta GL 8v (needs some engine help)
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