Golf hot starting problems

[evilweeman]

I have a 86 Golf CL (european spec),1.8L,5 speed,fuel injected.The problem I am having is that after the engine is warmed up,it won't start.Whenever the car is cold (after sitting more than 4 hours),it will start up fine but has a slight rough idle until the engine warms up.Once the engine is warm,it idles great.But while the engine is still warm,it takes at least 2 hours for it to start again.I have checked the ignition and fuel pressure and everything looks good to go including the starter.I think it may be a fuel pump,but am not sure.I need some help in order to fix this problem as it is my only mode of transportation to and from work.Any help would be appreciated.Please e-mail any possible solutions at my personal address: [email protected]

[veedubmechanic]

they had lots of problems with engine coolant temperature sensors on the older vw's. Also the starter solenoid. There is an update issued long time ago (early 90's) for this issue, it involves insalling a relay from the ignition switch to battery power to starter solenoid. A vw dealer with some older techs should know about this.

[evilweeman]

Thanks for the info.Am waiting on a new starter an solenoid but that was good advice on the coolant temp sensor,will do some more research on that.Also something to note,there was a recall on VW's back in 86 about this same problem concerning the fuel pump from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.On thier site,you will see a link to find recalls and safety issuses related to any vehicle you have or are considering buying in the future.The name of the site is www.nhtsa.gov
Once again thanks for the info and will be waiting on some parts in the mail.

[kmohr3]

Is it a 'no crank' situation or a 'crank, but no-start' situation?

A lot of older CIS injection vehicles had internal fuel leaks, ie check valves, fuel distributor plunger o-rings, etc. This will cause crank but no start condition when hot. Also, high alcohol content would make them start hard when hot.