98 Jetta slow startinf

[tiago13]

Hi---I'm new here and desperately seeking help.
new owner of a 98 Jetta GL - 130km's. If it sits for more than 8 hours on a cool day/night...it takes several attempts to start. It sounds/feels like not everything is firing.
Checked plugs - ok. Replaced sensor, new starter, new coil. Check timing - ok, replaced belt. Still, same thing every morning. It turns over but does not completely kick in. I'm new to VW and I love the car...when it starts! This has been ongoing for 5 months. Any suggestions/ideas?

[boschmann]

Which engine do you have? Does it crank normal (not slow), but not start? Has the battery been checked? How long do you crank each time, & how many attempts? Does the check engine light come on? What sensor was replaced & why?

[tiago13]

Originally Posted by boschmann

Which engine do you have? Does it crank normal (not slow), but not start? Has the battery been checked? How long do you crank each time, & how many attempts? Does the check engine light come on? What sensor was replaced & why?

4 cyl. 2.0L. It does crank normal--but almost like not all cyl all firing then after about 3 attempts...it kicks in. I crank it for about 5-10 sec. Replaced the starter once already. Battery is ok, no check engine light. I've had it in the shop several times--no error codes. Plugs are fine. Oxygen sensor was replaced, that was a guess to fix the problem. Once it starts it's fine until it sits for over 8hrs. Have yet to pay anything for the repairs as the mechanic can fix the problem. Coil & distributor also ok. Thought it was damp and/or cold but now I'm heading into spring and same thing.

[boschmann]

I'll assume they used the correct platinum spark plugs. Have they checked the fuel pressure, particularly that it holds about 30 psi fuel pressure for at least 10 minutes after shutdown. Also you might want to pull some plugs after it has sat for about 20 minutes & see if it is wet with gas, perhaps an injector is leaking & flooding the engine. Does the engine run okay before it warms up (cold)?

[tiago13]

Originally Posted by boschmann

I'll assume they used the correct platinum spark plugs. Have they checked the fuel pressure, particularly that it holds about 30 psi fuel pressure for at least 10 minutes after shutdown. Also you might want to pull some plugs after it has sat for about 20 minutes & see if it is wet with gas, perhaps an injector is leaking & flooding the engine. Does the engine run okay before it warms up (cold)?

From what I was told, plugs were ok but I'm going to suggest they replace them as well as checking the fuel pressure. Luckily, the mechanic is someone I know. Once started, the engine runs fine and if I shut it down immediately after it has started...it starts up again straight away. I'll look into what you mentioned and see how that goes. Thanks so much for your suggestions...they are greatly appreciated. I really want to enjoy this car....and not suffer from Buyers Remorse everyday. :-)