VW HOT STARTING TROUBLES

I own a 1989 VW Golf that has a KR engine and the K-jetronic injection system. The problem I have is that when the engine is warm, the starter needs to be operated for 20-30 seconds before the car will start.

The symptoms give the impression that the engine is flooded and with this in mind I tried running the car with the cold start valve disconnected for a while. This did seem to help the poor start problem when the engine gets warm.

There isn’t a problem starting the engine if the vehicle is cold, or if it is fully warmed up to operating temperature. The problem only occurs if the engine is in that inbetween warm state.

I’ve checked the spark plugs as well as the thermos-time switch, the cold start valve and the warm up valve. I’ve also checked the diaphragm pressure switch and inspected all the injectors and am unsure of what to do next. Colin Bailey Although you mention you have tested the thermo-time switch, which was working as it should, did you also check it with the engine warm to ensure it wasn’t then operating the cold start valve under these conditions?

There are a few points I can make to try and solve the problem. Firstly although you have checked the injectors, these cannot be tested without using the correct equipment and a visual inspection will often not reveal any problems.

It would also be worth checking the fuel pressure, as the problem may be due to a low residual pressure in the system. Another common problem on the K-Tronic system is that the airflow sensor plate can stick and this should be checked.

Finally, I wouldn’t discount the possibility that this is an ignition problem as opposed to a fuel problem. The ignition amplifier is sensitive to temperature and can cause problems similar to those you are experiencing, so try fitting a spare to fix the issue.