So my granparents have just given me one for my birthday 2000 standard golf. When i start it when its cold, it starts then dies. I leave it for 10mins, start it again and with a few revs behind it it starts - but sounds like a tractor. It is blowing alot out of the exhaust but then leave a wet spot on the ground - assuming this is condensation like! Any advise as to what could be causing this.! i was told spark plugs so got them replaced and still doing it.
gofer0007,
May 16, 1:10am
Do u only do short distances with it!
thejazzpianoma,
May 16, 1:17am
Does it actually start running nicely once it is warmed up! Its sounding like it may be a head-gasket in which case you shouldn't be attempting to drive it until its properly diagnosed and remedied. I take it whats coming out the exhaust looks like steam!
craig04,
May 16, 1:19am
I agree.
rolznsp,
May 16, 1:25am
But if it was a head gasket it would be over heating would it not! Doesnt over heat at all. Once it has started up its fine, runs beautifully.
And no its only used mainly for round towna nd work and back ect.
ralphdog1,
May 16, 1:26am
Have you looked to see if it is using water!
rolznsp,
May 16, 1:26am
yeah its kinda like steam - but then again it is only while it sounds like a tractor and starting up. once its running normal (heated i asume) it doesnt have anything coming out. It leaves a wet spot on the ground durring start up. Its not blue and it doesnt smell (the stuff come out i mean)
rolznsp,
May 16, 1:27am
Its using water but nothing drastically.
thejazzpianoma,
May 16, 1:29am
If its using water theres your most likely answer. head gasket. Also, no it won't necessarily overheat if the leak is small and you are keeping it topped up with water. I can't emphasize enough the importance of getting this diagnosed properly before driving it any further.
rolznsp,
May 16, 1:30am
I just paid 400$ for a dam spear key for it and i have to take it into get it computer chipped to the car or something! I've been told that they would be able to plug the computer into the car and get an idea of where the fault is when im getting the key chipped . is this right! I thought it was just electrical.
thejazzpianoma,
May 16, 1:31am
By the way, the good news with those standard Golf motors is they are a basis single cam unit which means doing the head gasket is pretty straight foward and a lot cheaper to do than on a lot of other vehicles. Parts are very well priced too.
rolznsp,
May 16, 1:31am
Let me go check water and see how much it used since i topped up last week.*runs to car in rain grrr*
franc123,
May 16, 1:31am
It shouldn't be using water at all, any water loss is cause for concern.Get the cooling system pressure tested by a garage, tell them of your concerns, if no external leaks show up they may recommend a TK or a cylinder leakage test to pinpoint the problem.
thejazzpianoma,
May 16, 1:32am
You don't generally diagnose a head gasket failure by using the on board diagnostic system. Are you taking it to a mechanic or an auto electrician for the key!
rolznsp,
May 16, 1:33am
The guys i work with that have had to help me get it started after work reckon it was maybe that all the cylindars arent running! Causing it to shoot out or something! 3rd cylindar aint kicking in might have been what he said.!
rolznsp,
May 16, 1:34am
Ahh Volkswagon Dealer - Miles Continental , key had to be sent over from Germany and apparently only a volkswagon dealer can do it.
thejazzpianoma,
May 16, 1:34am
Also, don't worry about taking it anywhere for the key in the meantime. Its important not to be driving it around until this is sorted.
hutchk,
May 16, 1:34am
What did you do to piss your grandparents off!
thejazzpianoma,
May 16, 1:36am
No from memory with those its pretty straight foward. Any good Audi/VW specialist garage should be able to do it, all they need is an appropriate scanning machine. Be wary of those big VW dealers. Some are good and some are not. Ask on here or some other locals what they are like. Your car is very simple and should not require anything special or expensive for servicing.
thejazzpianoma,
May 16, 1:37am
Thats what happens when your headgasket blows. Thats the cylender thats filling up with water and pumping it out the back.
sw20,
May 16, 1:38am
I hope you are ready to bend over when the bill comes from that stealership.
thejazzpianoma,
May 16, 1:40am
The best course of action is likely to just get a mobile mechanic to come around and do a compression and/or leakdown test as a poster recommended above. I am 95% sure its going to be a headgasket so its not worth risking any more running. Mobile mechanics are often surprisingly inexpensive. If you ring and explain what it is you want them to do i.e test for suspected head gasket failure. They should be able to qoute you before coming out. Testing should take less than an hour.
thejazzpianoma,
May 16, 1:41am
Thats why you need to be wary of the main dealer. Any mechanic can do a headgasket on one of those Golf's. They are as simple as they come nowadays.
You may as well get the mobile mechanics to quote on it as it may be the most cost effective and convenient just to get them to do it.
rolznsp,
May 16, 1:41am
I'm ready to bend over for my bf anytime so ill bend over for the dealer too :)
Water and oil are sweet have not changed since last week if that makes a difference.
m16d,
May 16, 1:41am
If you tell us what sort of tractor it sounds like we could be of more help to you. Like. is it a John Deere or a Massey.!
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