Hi,

hope someone can help me.

I have a Citi Golf 1.4 - 2005 Model with only 30.000KM driven - so very new. I serviced it the other day and I was told that everything is ok. However, sometimes (especially when I am in a hurry) it wont start! It then takes me a few minutes till it will work again.

Any suggestion what could be wrong? Or is that normal for a Citi Golf - any tricks&tipps?

Thanks

Tantin

Hi tantin, welcome to V9

Sounds like it could be a huge number of things. Hopefully rurounikenshin can help you out, he's the resident auto expert here.

Howdy,

I was trying to reply on my cellphone a little earlier but lost connection.
What you are describing is certainly not normal.
Did this problem start before or after the service?

Could you give me a little more information about what the car does/doesn't do during starting?

When you turn the key does he engine start to crank straght away?
Or is there a delay and then the engine starts to crank?

Is the car still stock or have you done some modifications?

Did you service it yourself?
If so: Check all the HT leads, make sure that they are all secure from the spark plugs to the distributor.
also check the HT lead from the dizzy to the ignition coil.

If not: Take it back to the place that serviced it and ask them to investigate.

Otherwise, which area are you in. If you are in JHB I could always have a look this weekend.

*Bump

Hi Guys. I was reading this discussion and I thought I had to add to this. I have a 2005 citi golf 1.4 carb. Never realy had a big problem with it. It did however struggle to start from day 1 if you drove it for a bit and then soon after try to start it again, but in the mornings it would start fine without a hassle. The other day I took it for its 45 000 km service and about a week after it started to give me problems starting in the morning or when cold. I took it back to VW and they said its the fuel settings or some kind of carbuerator settings?? Well got it back and for about a week it went well and it started its problems again with me. It starts and then soon after it just dies on me. Pull the choke and it gets even worse and when it eventually starts you have to rev the crab out of it otherwise it will die. I am now thinking of getting rid of my 1.4 carb. and going for the fuel injection.

Any Advice for me?

Hey mate,

Sounds like the carb is faulty.

I am not that clue'd up on carbs unfortunately.

There are a few ways to sort this out though.

1. You would need to take the car to a reputable service mechanic (If you're in JHB I can help you with the numbers for a few). What they would do is inspect and service the carb if required.

2. You said that pulling the choke out makes the problem worse? That leads me to believe that the carb is letting in too much fuel and flooding the engine - hence the stall. More than likely the diaphram is damaged/torn. Or the float is faulty.

3. GoldWagon sells replacement carbs IIRC. If you have some spare $$ maybe look at getting one and replacing the existing one with the new one.
This will help either confirm or eliminate the carb itself as the problem.
If your current carb is faulty, the new one should correct the problem.
IF how ever, the problem isn't with your current carb (although I strongly suspect it is), then you will have the same symptoms with the new one.

Unfortunately it's difficult to diagnose and advise over the internet. If I was with you at the car itself there are a few things that I could check.

Are you in the JHB area?

I am gonna ask a few mates of mine who know more about carbs what other things might cause the problems that you've described.

Will try get back to you as soon as I can.

Later mate.

Howzat.

Thanks for getting back to me. Yes I live in Edenvale. I will find it helpfull if you can advice me on someone who I can go to, to see if they can help me out. I have also a suspicion that it might be the carb. Though I would like someone to confirm and diagnose first.

Hey man,

You can speak to either Morne or Tony at Zabka Motorsport - 011 672 9161.

They are probably the best guys to speak to about VW engines and systems.

Morne is an ex-VW mechainc. He really knows his stuff.

Tell him that Scott from the VWClub recommended him.

Good luck mate.

Thanks for your help and time.

I will give these okes a call. Cheers

No worries mate.

Glad to help.

Please let us know how it turns out.

Guys and Gals...

I have a huge problem on my hands especially based on the fact that i am not mechanic orientated. At present I drive a Citi Gold, 1988.

The problem:
1- I changed the oil.
2- I cleanded the engine with a high pressure steam system. The car was switched off while this was being done.

What has happened now:
1- The car will not start.
2- I checked all plugs for water, none as well as the wiring.
3- When I start the car the ignition swings with a thundering noise.
4- I also done a wire test from the starter to the battery and their was no igniation.

Can anyone let me know if its the starter that needs replacing and how to take it off as well as where on can go to have it fixed in Cape Town.

Maanie

Elaborate?

Hey man,

Please give as much information as you can.

Have you check all the leads to make sure that you haven't maybe blown one off during the engine clean?

Bump.