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Ok so i have been fighting a losing battle trying to improve on the 15-20 mpg i currently get from my mk2 golf driver.
I recently noticed the timing light was not flashing as steadily as you might expect, didn't worry too much because it's an inductive one and i know they are subject to interference etc. However i have been using a colourtune and found the spark is not regular with that either! And what's more the missing spark seems to correspond with judders from the engine!
So it seems i have an ignition related miss?. Does this sound like the coil? It is much more noticeable when the engine is hot. I have replaced all other parts of the ignition system except for the coil.. I guess i should just buy a new one but i'm sick of throwing money at this car..
Any advice before i waste another 30 quid?
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It's certainly possible to be the coil going by the symtoms, but it could be other things, replace the coil, if that does not cure it, then look at the other possible things, me I would replace leads as well, especially if they have never been changed, but it's likely to be the coil!
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ChasR
RR Helper
motivation
Posts: 10,309
Club RR Member Number: 170
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When you say the ignition system I assume you changed the plugs, leads, cap, rotor arm and points (if it has them?).
What brand was the rotor arm. New ones can cause iffy missfires, especially if they are not OE spec items (I seem have hit and miss sucess with Intermotor stuff).
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bortaf
Posted a lot
Posts: 4,549
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Not really a Mk2 problem but Mk3 and 4 golfs suffer from intermitant ign live loses due to a burnt out switch? had many of those in that would only push start but run rough if started from the key if at all
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R.I.P photobucket
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Well i replaced plugs, leads and the distributor itself.. In fact i've had two different dizzy's (and different caps/rotors) on there and the symptoms were the same.
I suppose there's nothing else to do but try a new coil.
Cheers folks.
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scruff
Part of things
Posts: 621
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You should be able to find the specs of your coil will give a resistance of the windings, check that? Might just need tuning because it's running far too rich and sooting the plugs? Assuming it's on Bosch K-jet find someone who knows what they are doing to tune it to 1-2% CO on a gas analyser and set the ignition timing.
I tune loads of Porkers on K-jet and they usually get 32-35 mpg+ easily when tuned. One car I tuned was at 8% CO and did about 15-20 mpg, 10 mins of tuning and it was back to 30+ mpg and 1.5% CO.
Also if it's been missing then pull the plugs and clean them up with a wire brush they will be sooted up which will not help.
If it's been tuned then a weak coil (internal insulation breaking down) will give a lower spark voltage and a weaker spark leading to misfires and unburned fuel, low power and curse word MPG. Buy a new one rather than a second hand one if you can it'll help.
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1994 Lotus Esprit - Fragile red turbo with pop up lights. 1980 Porsche 924 - Fragile red turbo with pop up lights.
I spy a trend...
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Hmm not sure if it could be an ignition switch thing.. Never thought about that. It's a 1.6 carb model, not a K-jet.. Don't really have the cash to get it tuned just now. It did just pass it's MOT though so emissions must be acceptable. And i've set it up with a nice blue flame with a colourtune
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scruff
Part of things
Posts: 621
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If it's on carbs then ignore my last! Plus the MOT pas and colour tune are indicatons it's probably not just running rich.
MOT emissions will give you a clue, pass is 4% CO which is quite high/rich, check the little ticket, if you still have it, that'll tell you.
Coil is likely then.
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1994 Lotus Esprit - Fragile red turbo with pop up lights. 1980 Porsche 924 - Fragile red turbo with pop up lights.
I spy a trend...
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I sorted an issue on an automatic one of these for my neighbour a few years back and it was the cold start staying on all the time,I just unplugged the wires on the bulkhead that controlled it and it ran great for 10 months of the year and struggled a touch now and again to start,but he just plugged it back in then and all was well. It was an 1.8 carb jetta auto. A "crypton tune" will cost about £20,if they find the fault you'll quickly save that on fuel. My 82 gti made high 30's/40mpg for years and it was 17 years old at the time so they are generally very fuel efficient engines.
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Hmm yeah i never got any info about the emissions with the MOT. I'll have to call the guy and find out..
By the cold start do you mean the autochoke or the hedgehog heater thing? I have a weber with a manual choke....
Looked up the crypton tune- sounds interesting but i can't find anyone in the edinburgh area who does it..?
Thanks for all the suggestions, i will crack this!
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