Golf mk2 engine problems

milgo · 14 May 2006 at 20:05

Hi, I have a golf mk2 gti 16v. Just hoping that someone on here has some idea whats wrong with it. Its done 124k without a rebuild so its obviously due for something to go pop.
Usually on a cold morning it will start up on 3 cylinders and then the forth one will kick in with a few revs. But the other day I started it after giving it a little service (plugs, leads, dizzy cap etc.) it was running rough and started chucking white smoke out of the exhaust. After driving it around the block this went away. Was behaving for a few days then yesterday as I was driving it lost power and white smoke appeared again.
I have illiminated the ignition, swapped all the bits back over to the old ones and still the same problem. By pulling the leads out as it was running I found that the 4th cylinder wasnt firing although the lead was sparking and the plug from that clyinder was wet with petrol, tried swapping the plugs with the same result.
So the white/grey smoke must be the unburnt petrol?
So what do you think it is likely to be? Head gasket or something?
Thanks for any help you can give.

Sputnik II · 14 May 2006 at 23:44

Try doing a compression test on the engine. doesn't sound good though.

lozza23_uk · 15 May 2006 at 08:19

could be anything on those engines.

wouldnt be worried about a rebuild unless it is burning loads of oil.

the K-jet system is amazingly simple, yet as they get old it all starts to fall to pieces, same as all cars.

i would just take it to a reliable VW tuner (where are you might be able to recommend somewhere) and let them look at it.

milgo · 15 May 2006 at 21:14

Thanks for the replies. I expect it is the headgasket. Luckily I have access to machinery at so I am going to get a mechanic to remove the head and then skim it myself. (if that is the problem).

Lashout_UK · 15 May 2006 at 21:31

Could be a combination of a few things.

Usually on a cold morning it will start up on 3 cylinders and then the forth one will kick in with a few revs.

Sounds like a valve sticking from cold

alextgreen · 15 May 2006 at 22:21

Really can be anything on a KR, Bosch K-Jetronic is a pain.

It could be:

Injectors
Fuel Pump
Fuel filter
Distributor
Leads
WUR
Cold start valve

All of these things have a bit of a reputation in Golf terms.

I havea similar problem myself (minus white smoke)

milgo · 16 May 2006 at 06:47

Well hopefully my mechanic doesnt go straight to the head

actually before he collects it i could test an injector, someone suggested it could be open all the time.

lozza23_uk · 16 May 2006 at 07:10

alextgreen said:
Really can be anything on a KR, Bosch K-Jetronic is a pain.

It could be:

Injectors
Fuel Pump
Fuel filter
Distributor
Leads
WUR
Cold start valve

All of these things have a bit of a reputation in Golf terms.

I havea similar problem myself (minus white smoke)

i was going to suggest all of these

but te whie smoke put me off.
if pointing the finger at fueling it could also be the metering head. which is a pain cos they are quite expensive.

you would be amazed how many mk2's still have an original fuel filter on them.

i really really suggest a kjet specialist looking at it.