MK III Golf runs lumpy when cold

[Tedd]

Our kids Mk III Golf GTI 2.0 16v, runs awful when cold.
Almost sounds/feels like it is not firing on all cylinders. Strong smell of petrol. Once it is warm, it runs ok, although it does seem sluggish mid range compared to my Mk II 1.8 8v.
Local "expert" has checked and replaced various parts, including "brains", valves, auto choke, and now £400 later decides he has no idea.

[minghis]

I had a similar problem on a Passat and it turned out to be a HT lead breaking down.

[razor]

Tedd said:

Our kids Mk III Golf GTI 2.0 16v, runs awful when cold. Almost sounds/feels like it is not firing on all cylinders. Strong smell of petrol. Once it is warm, it runs ok, although it does seem sluggish mid range compared to my Mk II 1.8 8v. Local "expert" has checked and replaced various parts, including "brains", valves, auto choke, and now £400 later decides he has no idea.

I have had exactly the same problem with my VR6 (a few times) - on several occasions, it was the HT leads; on one occasion, something to do with the ignition.