Starting issues

wackyracer

Wackyracer
May 12, 2007
174
0
Southampton
Well i been through all the posts on here about starting problems and a few give me ideas but a pointer in the right direction would be great before i start poking around!

SYMPTOMS.
Note these only happen when cold ( letf over night or all day)
Sometimes the car starts almost instantly you turn the key, other times it wont start for ages and then its lumpy for 10 -20 seconds etc with lots of smoke out the back. Doesnt smell particulary of oil or fuel, maybe a mix?
It's not damp as the system has been sealed and it happens whether its been hot and dry or wet and cold!

CHECKED SO FAR.
Took out he spark plugs and noticed a little oil around the 'seats' of 2 of them. possible rocket cover gasket leak? Nothing major and not getting down into the combustion chamber. Spark plug tips look fine and the correct colour, although plug nearest the drivers side seems to be alot 'lighter' deposit wise than the others. NOTE - gen VW plugs. They have 'pointed' firing tips, like a pencil. Never come across this before, is it correct?
Checked for fuel blockages and battery voltage ( newish).
Had all services done on time since new by seat dealer. ( just had 70k service - oil etc only.)
Drives fine once warm and goes pretty well will steady fuel consumption. Also havent noticed any oil useage for the 4k.

Not alot more i can add really, oh except that it has a cold air induction kit, but it was fine for over a month since fitting it, so sure this isnt affecting it in any way.

Help guys!
 

Funkyfin2000

Black Leon Cupra R 280bhp
Oct 6, 2005
2,477
0
Stafford, Staffordshire
i have exactly the samem problem dude...

sometimes starts on the button, other times, it will sit and turn over ages and ages before starting, or if you stop and try again it finally catches and up it fires... other times its fine!

i have changed coil packs, sparks, oil, all serviced properly....

no vag.com errors.....

any help appreciated...
 

Mike Green

Cupra crazy
May 4, 2007
431
0
Surrey
Sounds very similar to my old golf - Occasionally would start first time but more often than not it would yturn over and over until it just about caught then started.

Not that you guys want to hear this - but after taking it to a golf dealer (£200 cost for 2 hours check) nothing ws found, been at least 6 times to my old leasing garage place, they could not find anything. My last resort was to pay and endless amount of £££'s for a VW golf mk 3 specialist to take a look. Decided not to and the fault after 3 years never did get fixed.

Oh and the RAC man did not have a clue either - a complete mystery. When started the engine ran very well. If you guys find an answer I would be very intrerested to know.
 

wackyracer

Wackyracer
May 12, 2007
174
0
Southampton
Well im taking mine to get looked at this week and will report back.
Few suggestions from other people have been...
Air leak in intake system
faulty air temp sensor
compression issues ( not sure as to why it would run fine once started though?)

Hope to get it sorted soon....
oh and the smoke starts white for a second or two and then goes dark gray / blackish if that helps!
 
Lecatona HPFP (High-pressure Fuel Pump Upgrades)