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Golf Mk3 firing on 3 cylinders

Hi all,

Posting here again due to contiunued frustration!!

First some background. Having problem with Golf Mk3 '92 1.8 GL, 70K miles. Engine (code ABS) is only firing on 3 cylinders, no. 4 is dead! Compression test is ok, no notable difference between cylinders, have new spark plugs, have tried switching HT leads round but still not firing. Noticed slight oil leak from rocket cover gasket above cylinder no. 4, is this a clue or just a coincidence??? Any tips on where to look next??? VW mechanic reckons these engines are known for eating distributors but there doesn't seem to be a problem with it sparking on no. 4, lead. Can see sparks flying across gap at distributor cap with HT lead unplugged. Have also tried holding throttle open to see if it's firing at speed but it seems completely dead. Any suggestions??? Knackered valve maybe??? I'm stumped :-!

Reply to
Stevo
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Try the injector if it is injection, you have checked for 'spark' and 'compression', that only leaves 'fuel' - these engines are also known for eating injectors if you get water in the fuel system.

If it is a carb, then try checking with WD40 spray around the inlet ports to no.4 cylinder for any manifold leaks.

also you might try a new dizzy cap. just cos you get a spark doesn't mean it is good enough, and you may not be able to see misfires visually, try crypton tuning maybe.

Another thing to maybe try, if you have electronic ignition, the ignition amplifier module may be faulty.

How do you know it's no.4 that is not firing, is there any gunk or rubbish in the bore? - Try a Gunson ColourTune.

Andy

Reply to
Nik&Andy

Hi Andy, thanks for reply,

This one's got single point (throttle body) fuel injection so I guess the problem can't be injector related or there'd most likely also be probs with other cylinders. Have identified that the problem's with no. 4 by removing spark plugs with engine running. There is a noticeable dip in RPM when each of cylinders 1, 2 & 3 are disconnected but no change at all when cylinder

4 is unplugged.
Reply to
Stevo

vacuum leak possibly the hose to the brake booster. Or does your UK car pull the vacuum for the brake booster from another area? check all vacuum leads near that #4 cylinder

Reply to
One out of many daves

Could be that the mixture is on the lean side. Try running without the o2 sensor (pull plug)

SFC

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Reply to
SFC

Could be a stuck valve or knackered camshaft but unlikely - suggest you take the cam cover off & have a look at the cam & valve gear. Otherwise the distributor cap/rotor arm would seem an option - you may be getting a spark but maybe it isn't big enough - a hairline crack is all it takes to kill it. Check for play in the main dizzy shaft - if its wobbling then that might cause it to miss on one cylinder.

Check the plug gaps as well - if the gap is way to short/non existant that would do it. Also try swapping the plugs around - you might have a bad one with a damaged core.

HTH

I.

Reply to
Iain Miller

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