87 Jetta Won't Start

My 87 Jetta won't start. For years when it is hot it has needed about 20-40 minutes to cool off and then it would start again. The same thing happened, only this time even after it has cooled it won't start. I had to tow it home. Any help would be great.

Thanks

Two likely candidates are computer or ignition coil. Hopefully it's the latter. Check to see if you have a spark at the plug cables. Incidently, it could also be your spark plug cables or distributer cap. Have they been changed recently. If you don't get sparks to each of your plugs, you've probably found your problem.

Hey there... im not an expert, but I do have an 87 jetta and i have the same problem (i think) and here's the trick:

In the morning, it starts but stalls right away.... if this is what yours is doing, start it and then rev your engine to 3 for 30 seconds, then go down to 2 for a bit and then let go. this is how i heat up my engine cause im too broke to fix it. try it out and it may help you too. if it doesnt work the first time, do it again but longer.

I'll have the same thing going on with my jetta 87 and I have brought new dis cap and rotor, spark plugs, spark wires all new i'll put them in check the injector are good cone shape ,fuel pressure good but the car will not start I work on it for a awhile but the engine turn over but no start do anybody now plz in need here

my problem turned out to be electrical

dude, try your temp. sensor!! i had that problem, u had to start it like 5-10 times before she kept goin lol. i have had every prblem in the book, my problem NOW a days is i can't get it started cuz either my alternator is screwy or im gettin power drawn from somewhere else in the car. lol

Well I had a 86 golf similar to your problem,
My coil wire was laying on the heater hose.
the coil wire was shorting out to the hose..
amazing .good luck