205 1.9 GTI cold start problem

[Alexbturbo]

Hi

Just a quick question. I've recently acquired a miami blue 205 1.9 gti (j reg) & its a good bit of fun to drive & has had some ££££ spent on it in the past Only 1 problem that has developed since i got the car (isnt it always the way) and i was wondering whether anyone had any ideas on what could be the cause.

Basically when the car engine is cold (i.e parked overnight) and i go to start it, its quite hesitant to start - it does start eventually if you apply a small amount of pressure on the accelerator & then hold the car around 1.5k revs otherwise it stalls & wont idle.

This problem only occurs when the engine is cold though - once its been run & warm the engine starts 1st time with no problems at all.

I was thinking possible probs maybe with starter motor, distributor? but would appreciate any other suggestions that i can check

Many Thanks

Alex

[mrB10]

they are known for this as a problem. Best thing to do is to check all your pipework for any leaks etc, especially around the throttle body. Any gaps here will cause problems.

Its not a bad idea to change the plugs and the cap plus arm for a new set, wouldn't do any harm at leats. But if it starts OK I doubt it'll be the starter.

Try this place, do a search first as this will show the possible answers for you >> http://forum.205gtidrivers.com

But it may be a case of living with it for a while. I run mine on carbs and have o feather it till its gets warm then it can idle ok on its own!

Edited by mrB10 on Friday 21st November 23:36

[sorrento205]

im not sure this will solve your problem, but im posting it as youve not had much other response.

If you look on the top of the throttle body there is a brass screw. winding this in and out will have an effect on the idle speed and can greatly help the stalling first thing in the morning. like i said it may not be the right cure for you, so remember where the screw was positioned before you fiddle (obviously do it with the engine running so you can tell how much of an effect your making)

Hope it helps.

[Simes205]

Check out the SAD (supplementry air device). Hundreds of threads about it on 'drivers'.

[205mi16]

as above said^^ it could most likely be the SAD valve,
mine sticks quite badly once it kicks in but it takes a about 20 secs of having your foot on the accelerator at 1500rpm ish to start working.

have a look on 205gtidrivers pretty sure theres an article about it

[Alexbturbo]

CheeRS for the replies guys - went over to 205gtidrivers site yesterday & had a good look through the site - some very useful info there & think i'll register myself over there soon as i'm sure it will be of use again in the future

Spent this morning under the bonnet having a good look round & thankfully all pipework is fine with no splits, checked plugs & they all looked fine - had a look round the dizzy cap & that looked fairly new but i took it off gave it a clean & noticed while doing it that one of the leads that connects to the cap had a split in the plastic around its base so looks like when i've been driving the car or with vibration its been making its way loose - pushed the lead back on tight (will get a new set of leads tomorrow) put key in ignition turned car over & it started first time

Just glad it was something simple & it hasnt cost me anything bar a new set of leads

Also checked & the SAD looks fine which i'm pretty happy about & as per sorrentos suggestion re idling adjusted that very slightly & car idles fine as well now

Now i know that probs sorted its time to start tidying up the bodywork & getting it looking smarter

Edited by Alexbturbo on Sunday 23 November 14:36

[sorrento205]

the great thing about that 8v engine is its so simple once you get a understanding of the components you will never need to use a main stealer or backstreet garage again!