I'm breaking my Mk1 Gti

[miniswift]

Hi,

Like title says, it is time for me to break my mk1 Gti.
I have sold engine and gearbox to Mr. C.
I don't think many parts will be left for Mini conversion but, I think most of parts will be for sale.

Let me know if you want anything.

Cheers
Atchi

[spNOam]

Hi Atchi,
Just a question, driving home last night there was a sudden increase in induction noise & a decrease in power, mainly lack of pulling power at medium to high rpm, I've checked the usual things like woodruff key, tps afm, split hoses etc, waxo stat was gunked up but I think thats working OK now. Also while cranking the engine over to start, it hiccups as though the ignition timing is too far advanced, I stripped the distributor, all OK & re timed the engine, and it still hiccups as though the ignition timing is too far advanced, looking at the exhaust it seems to be running leaner than it was, I'm drawing a blank...any suggestions?

Thanks
Geoff

[miniswift]

Hi Geoff,

Have you got any air leak?
Is you intake manifold on ok?
May be you need to clean cold air valve.

Cheers
Atchi

[ed4ran]

Has the timing belt jumped a tooth? :?

[speedy]

on a mark 1 the timinggear on the crank can shrink a little.
so the key in the crank can bent...it happend to me to...

[spNOam]

Thanks for your help, It's a mk 2 engine, woodruff key looks OK, double checked everything today, the only unusual thing I found when I did a compression test was that the two outer cylinders were 190 & the innners were 160 could this be sign of anything? Electrics checked out fine (ohms & volts values) problem still persists.....
HMMM.....Just thought , number one plug was much whiter than the other three, I wonder if I have an injector that sticks at higher rpm.....anyone got spare injector??

[Spiyda]

anyone got spare injector??

We've got 4 in a box for use in the next project, (the supercharged kitcar)

you are welcome to have one to try (but I could do with a replacement one day)

Chris

ps, Pete's car is pretty much ready to fire up, just waiting on a fuel pump.. (the low pressure one wouldn't fire the engine)

[OzMidnight]

Check your ignition timing, check your TPS setting and also your AFM signal output. Another common issue is the snapping of the little circlips that hold the injector plugs on. This is not always apparent and the plug may not always come right off but still not be making correct contact.

It is unlikely that the cold start valve will cause your issue, as it will either fluctuate your revs, or stick in one spot altogether. Living where I do, I had the luxury of removing it completely........... :D

You could try spraying some very mild dishwashing detergent around the intake gasket surfaces as the engine sits at idle - if you detect a change in rpm, you will likely find you have an air leak. You can also try this on your vacuum lines, etc.

Another thing to check is your fuel pressure - either your pump or fuel regulator may be at fault. Has your fuel filter been changed recently?

Atchi...hasn't your Mk1 always been broken? :P

[speedy]

or your headgasget is going....
did you test whit all plugs out?

[miniswift]

Hi,

Lee, I'm taking engine and gearbox out to fit into my friend's car.
It was on the road til end of last month.

I have 2 sety of spare Gti injectors as well as wiring looms.
If you need to try Geoff, let me know.

Cheers
Atchi

[spNOam]

Check your ignition timing, Done OK check your TPS setting Done OK and also your AFM signal output. Done OK Another common issue is the snapping of the little circlips that hold the injector plugs on. These are OK This is not always apparent and the plug may not always come right off but still not be making correct contact.

It is unlikely that the cold start valve will cause your issue, as it will either fluctuate your revs, or stick in one spot altogether. Living where I do, I had the luxury of removing it completely........... :D I checked & gave it a good clean

You could try spraying some very mild dishwashing detergent around the intake gasket surfaces as the engine sits at idle - if you detect a change in rpm, you will likely find you have an air leak. You can also try this on your vacuum lines, etc. Sprayed the whole of this area inch by inch with carb cleaner - no problems found

Another thing to check is your fuel pressure - either your pump or fuel regulator may be at fault. Has your fuel filter been changed recently? New filter fitted not so long ago, fuel rail pressurises OK

Atchi...hasn't your Mk1 always been broken? :P

The compression test was carried out with the appropriate plugs fitted.
The loss of power & louder induction noise happened in an instant, no ugly noises or warning rattles, car still starts & runs - jus underpowered & has hiccups when turning over on the starter motor. Cylinder No1 seems leaner than the others (engine leaner than it was - I hop its nothing to do with the ecu) Haven't taken the timing belt cover off yet, don't think there is much chance of it jumping a tooth, I will check though.
Atchi,I would appreciate the opportunity to purchase a fuel rail & injectors, failing that a loan? PLEASE.
Thanks guys, Please keep coming with the suggestions.

Geoff

[spNOam]

anyone got spare injector??

[quote="We've got 4 in a box for use in the next project, (the supercharged kitcar)

you are welcome to have one to try (but I could do with a replacement one day)

Thanks Chris, great to hear things are going well, I've got some irons in the fire for the injectors, just have to see if they get hot, looking forward to our spin to Castle Combe in September.....

[miniswift]

Hi Geoff,

You can have my spare set.
Let me know which type you need.
I think I have may be 2 green sets(mk2 onwards) and brown set(mk1).
Unfortunately, I have only one fuel rail from mk1 and I need to keep it.

If you can use your own fuel rail with my injectors plus looms you can change them in half an hour.

Let me know

Cheers
Atchi

[spNOam]

Choices? The ones in now are green, whats the difference between green & brown injectors, I take it you mean the plastic bases?

[miniswift]

Hi Geoff,

I have sent you a pm.

I hope injectors will solve it for you.

Cheers
Atchi

[spNOam]

Tried a different set of injectors today, so that I could rule out the fuel side of things, the problem was still there, checked the valve timing again, looked about two teeth out, scratched my head a few times then started the painful teardown of the timing belt covers, & lo & behold nestling at the bottom was a rather squashed & mangled timing belt tensioner spring.... anyone know what are the chances of the pistons coming into contact with the valves if the engine is run with the valve timing two teeth out? I'll take the head off tomorrow...to find out....Advice to anyone else - remove the spring!!

Geoff

[ed4ran]

Nice to know you found the problem :D
Hopefully no bent valves etc then you can be back driving very soon 8)

Ed

[Spiyda]

Unless your are very unlucky, two teeth should be safe !
If it is damaged, and you need to borrow a head while yours is fixed, give us a call !

ps.. engine ran for a second at a time today ! exciting !

Chris

[miniswift]

Hi Geoff,

That's good news.... kind of!
I snapped timing belt twice with my G13B.

First time, I have been told it has changed @62k miles... then it hasn't.
It was snaaped around 98k miles doing steady 62mph when it went.
I took my car back home with AA, AA guy told me just fit timing belt and see. I thought oh just check... 10 hours later no bent valve and wishing I listen to AA guy.

Second time, I didn't fit timing belt cover and an air channel plate.
I was following this stubbern chick in Fiesta, she nearly lost control went over bit where no one goes. Hey presto, kicking up little stones. Guess what happened next..... stone went it and shreaded my belt again.

This time I was sure I bent valves, so I took head off and checked again.
No bent valves, I was lucky I guess.

G13B engines are interference engine so it is your choice.

I would suggest to re-fit belt and see.

Cheers
Atchi

[spNOam]

Well it's not broken anymore :D took the head off to check the valves & pistons for any contact, all OK, I wanted to change the cam seals anyway & I was convinced there were the tiny bubbles in the readiator that are one the first warnings of a head gasket failing, I've yet to fit the top cam cover. Just been out for a test run, no oil leaks & the tiny bubbles have disappeared :D oil & filter change tomorrow just in case I got some water in the oil. Great to have it back to normal again. Many thanks all of you for your help.

P.S. Anyone thinking of leaving the timing belt tensioner spring in situ, take my advice & remove it.