1989 1.3 Mk2 Golf, Cutting out when idling

[89er]

My '89 1.3mk2 will start but I have to keep the throttle on to stop it from cutting out. Even then it might still cut out. When driving in gear the car splutters and chugs along. If I take it out of gear and let it freewheel the engine will cut out and bring it back into gear it will cut in again. Sometimes if I press the accelerator pedal fully there is no power what so ever.
The car was running fine and this problem has manifested itself over a few days and is getting worse. It is now impossible to keep the engine ticking over. I think it could be fuel problems, dirty lines, fuel tank!? Any ideas? Thanks.

[Fanie]

Doesn't sound like a fuel problem to me make sure the pipe from the brake booster isnt cracked or broken the Golfs are known for this problem and is causes your exact symptoms

[89er]

I tried running the car with the fuel cap off and it didn't make any difference. I blew the fuel line clear so I don't think it's a fuel problem. Can you tell me where the pipe from the brake booster is and what does it do? Thanks.

[Fanie]

It runs from the Brake booster to the inlet manifold the vacuum created in the manifold aids you in braking which is why it is easy to apply the brakes when the car is running and difficult when the enjin is out. If this pipe is broken you get to much air into the manifold which is why the car won't idle but at half or full throttle operation enough air is let through the carbs for more fuel to be given.

[89er]

Can you tell me where the brake booster and inlet manifold are? Thanks.

[Fanie]

The inlet manifold is between the carburetor and the engin.The Brake Booster is to the right of the engin against the firewall with the brake system attached to its front it is easy to recognise it is about as big as a plate and is about 10cm thick all the brake pipes attach to the unit infront of it. Normally it is black. Let me know if it helps.

[89er]

I checked the vacuum hose from the break booster to the manifold and it looks fine. No cracks. All other hoses to the manifold look fine aswell. I noticed the wiring to the idle cut off valve is frayed. Could this be the problem? Valve not working properly? If I open the throttle a few times to let fuel into the carb and then start the engine, it starts up fine & after a few seconds struggles and cuts out.
Also there is a brown oily substance coming from the crank case balance hose into the air intake manifold. Any ideas what is causing that? Is it a problem?
Thanks.

[Fanie]

could be. Can you keep the car running at about 1300rpm if yes very possible. The oil from the crankcase breather is normal I would'nt worry about that to much.(Is the motor fitted with a splash cover above the cam shaft?)

[shiftanfly]

i had the same prob with mine...i guess i broke some vacumme hoses...take it to some one..

[89er]

Problem solved. I removed the carb from the manifold. Took off the top section and found the bowl to be full of brown sticky crap. One of the main jets was blocked. I cleared all the jets, bowl and put it back together and it's running fine now. Thanks for the help.