fuel delivery problems

[adrian_s_dean]

1990 vw golf 1.3
Starts fine all the time. After 5-10 miles, engine starts to 'hiccup' and loss of power is noted, especially when accelerating. Problems become worse with time - seems as if engine is becoming starved of fuel and is thus misfiring. Eventually have to pull off road and shut down. Wait for five minutes and restart and then its fine - for another 5-10 miles and it happens again. While waiting with the engine off, 'gurgling' sounds can be heard from the area of the fuel tank. Could this be:
(1) faulty internal or external fuel pump
(2) a vacuum problem, with air getting in the fuel line
(3) something else
any help much appreciated

[vwkiwi]

Originally Posted by adrian_s_dean

1990 vw golf 1.3
Starts fine all the time. After 5-10 miles, engine starts to 'hiccup' and loss of power is noted, especially when accelerating. Problems become worse with time - seems as if engine is becoming starved of fuel and is thus misfiring. Eventually have to pull off road and shut down. Wait for five minutes and restart and then its fine - for another 5-10 miles and it happens again. While waiting with the engine off, 'gurgling' sounds can be heard from the area of the fuel tank. Could this be:
(1) faulty internal or external fuel pump
(2) a vacuum problem, with air getting in the fuel line
(3) something else
any help much appreciated

Adrian
Welcome to the club! I have EXACTLY the same problems! Since the trouble started I have: - replaced fuel filters; carb serviced; replaced ignition coil; replaced ignition module. All no joy.
(1) I do not think it is a problem with the fuel but I thought it was automatic choke related? (weather has now turned colder)
(2) I also was wondering if it was due to a vacuum problem?
(3) some electrical switch?

[AndrewB]

We might as well start our own club... I'm in exactly the same situation with my golf. I've also had the occasional acceleration for no reason, and plenty of pulling over due to lack of acceleration. However my problem does not seem to have any pattern. If you find the answer, I would welcome a response.

[vwkiwi]

Hi AndrewB

yes, is it that time of the month? or year? I am going to try replacing the distributor but the garage has already checked this out for obvious failings. Next step might be a mobile auto electrician...

[AndrewB]

vwkiwi...

From the sound of my car this morning, I reckon there has got to be something wrong with the fuel pumps or fuel line. If you have a look at previous threads on this site, others have similar problems and they stated this needs doing... so Wednesday night here we come!

[vwkiwi]

AndrewB

I am clutching at all straws. Agree that the problem could be fuel pump/line. I am checking out a fault with a 'vacuum thermo switch' - if there is such a thing fitted. apparently there is no internal petrol tank pump?

[AndrewB]

Could be the problem then?!?...

You should be able to access the pump from underneath the back seats, by removing a panel... it is supposed to be quite easy, but I have not checked it yet.

[vwkiwi]

Andrew,

see my thread I posted today (thought it was to be attached). But I think I have found the root of the problem.

[vwkiwi]

Originally Posted by adrian_s_dean

1990 vw golf 1.3
Starts fine all the time. After 5-10 miles, engine starts to 'hiccup' and loss of power is noted, especially when accelerating. Problems become worse with time - seems as if engine is becoming starved of fuel and is thus misfiring. Eventually have to pull off road and shut down. Wait for five minutes and restart and then its fine - for another 5-10 miles and it happens again. While waiting with the engine off, 'gurgling' sounds can be heard from the area of the fuel tank. Could this be:
(1) faulty internal or external fuel pump
(2) a vacuum problem, with air getting in the fuel line
(3) something else
any help much appreciated

Adrian

See my reply thread posted under 'golf, requiring to stop every 30 mins'. Hopefully resolves your problem too. Given that 3 of us are experiencing the same problem (coincidence?) I think the thermostat has come to the end of its useful life?