VW Fox 88-Ready to Pull Hair out

[bruce2005]

My 88 vw fox just stopped working, in the most literal sense. I was driving down the freeway and it decided to shut down. My teacometer hit zero; I put it into neutral and coasted to the side of the road. After reaching the shoulder the engine died and would turn over but would not start. I let it set for about 5 min and it started right up, but died about 20 seconds later, it did this twice and then didn't start again. Got it towed back worked on it for a while and found that the timing belt was out 180 degrees and the firing sequence for the plugs was off. Reset all these and it fired right up. Strange thing is the belt seemed liked it had jumped but there was no evidence of this, belt is next to new and the sprocket's and teeth are in fine shape. We replaced the cap, roter and plugs. Now it fires right up, but if you drive it for ten minutes it dies. We are thinking fuel but not sure, completely stumped on this one any ideas let me know. I'm going to get it analyzed, but I am willing to take suggestions and try them out before I go spend the $100 to get it analyzed. Thank you.

[bruce2005]

Here is a little update, I found that my fuel pressure regulator hose is missing. So my question, could this be the problem and if so does anyone know where the hose connects to?

[denisond3]

I think the fuel pressure regulator hose connects to the intake manifold. I thinks its purpose is to raise or lower the fuel pressure in the rail, since the injector pulse width on that injection system doesnt make the slight changes needed to keep the amount of fuel injected accurate enough. if its disconnected, the engine will be running a little rich, since the fuel press. regulator will think you always have the gas pedal open all the way.
As for the timing being out 180 degrees - as long as the #1 piston was at top dead center, when the cam shaft was in the proper position for the valves on cyl. #1 to be shut - then it was okay. As long as the distributor is positioned so the rotor is pointing to #1 plug wire, and the other plug wires are connected in accordance with the firing order - it would be fine. It would not have run at all otherwise, and I really dont think the timing belt would jump exactly 180 degrees. Not ever.
About the not running though, I would figure out how to check the fuel pressure. You need to check it while the engine is running, not just at an idle, but when driving and until it quits running.
I think your VW has two fuel pumps. One inside the fuel tank, the other one under the car, below the rear seats. If the one inside the tank quits working - the car will maybe run, sort of. You should be able to hear the pumps run for one or two seconds after turning the ign on. You can feel the one below the car running if you have your hand on it, and you can probably hear the one in the tank running if you have a 1/4" wooden dowel rod held against the tank, and the other end pushed against your ear.
It could also be a fuel filter that needs replaced - I think that is under the car next to that fuel pump.

Good luck.

P.S. I have a 90 jetta, and plan to replace both fuel pumps, just because they are not, though they havent given me any trouble yet. I wish they werent so pricey though.

[bruce2005]

Well it was none of the above. It was a stupid little ignition control module, thing sit righ under the glove. one of the connectors burned up so it would run for a bit but would get two hot and mess everything up. It controls the timing of the spark apparently, therefore the miss alginment of everything and my car dying. That little thing heats up pretty hot too so if it isn't in perfect condition it won't work are cause chaos with your car.