Girl with Engine Problems '97 Golf

[VWGirl]

Hello-

I've got a 97 Golf 2.0 Automatic - it's been having problems starting in the rain but the other day i was on the highway driving (on a hot day) and it stopped. It would turn back on but as I gave it gas, it would putter along a little then die again. Finally I got it going to a mechanic but it wouldn't accelerate properly. It would change gears fine and the RPMs would go up but it wouldn't actually go faster - I think the max I got was around 50 kms/hr. Once I got to the mechanic - he seemed really sketchy and kept mumbling something about the engine head and not enough compression and was telling me how it was going to cost thousands of dollars.

I know that there has been a coolant leak for about 6 months but mechanics have always told me that it was ok as long as I made sure I had enough coolant in the engine. I was waiting till I had more money to fix the leak. I don't know if it has anything to do with what is happening with the engine. It's still running (well it's at the dealership right now) and it doesn't make any weird noises, starts up fine, and there is no engine light or any light on the dash. It just won't go past 50kms/hr. It doesn't seem to have much power.

I've got it at a dealer right now who I have to call tomorrow- I don't know much about cars, I'm from Vancouver so I don't trust any of the mechanics here in Toronto, so I am wondering if anyone can provide a little guidance- either if they know what the problem might be or even if they know of a reliable and affordable VW mechanic in Toronto. Should I be leaving it at the VW dealer to get fixed - is that the safest bet?

HELP, please.

[boschmann]

Any time you have a stalls or runs bad in the rain situation suspect the ignition coil has cracked & is arcing (shorting out). Coils are available on the aftermarket & just about anyone can install it.

[VWGirl]

Just talked to the dealership and they said it was the catalytic converter and that it was still under warranty (GREAT!) - so I just have to pay $50 for the diagnostic. I love VW.

[limbodog]

I woulda gone with the coil pack too. Hrm.

Wonder why the converter went so soon.

[boschmann]

When I re-read the description it sounds like the cat. That starting problem in the rain throws me to a coil problem though, it may need both. VW wouldn't warranty that cat if they weren't forced to by the Federal government. There's that diagnostic charge for a warranty item again. I don't know how they get away with that. Let them replace the cat & see if it still acts okay in the rain.