1996 VW Jetta Wont Start

[kodkingvegeta]

That 1996 Vw Jetta GL that I sold to my bestfriend just stop running. Its a 1996 2.0, 5 speed. We replaced the fuel pump and the fuel filter, thinking that was the problem (since it turns over just wont start) and its not. If anyone could help out with any idea then help please.

[burn_your_money]

Are you getting spark? How's the timing? The belt could have jumped a few teeth. How's compression?

[Mr_Diesel]

Get a can of starting fluid and spray it in the intake when somebody is cranking it over... this will determine if your ignition system is in good working order, as the car should fire up for 1/2 to 1 second and then shut down. This will eliminate the spark plugs, wires, distributor, computer and everything else from the equation.

If it does work, then check your fuel pump... have a helper turn the key on and listen for the pump to pressurize... If you hear the pump, then it might be your fuel pressure regulator. If you don't hear the pump it might be your fuel pump relay.

[kodkingvegeta]

Get a can of starting fluid and spray it in the intake when somebody is cranking it over... this will determine if your ignition system is in good working order, as the car should fire up for 1/2 to 1 second and then shut down. This will eliminate the spark plugs, wires, distributor, computer and everything else from the equation.

If it does work, then check your fuel pump... have a helper turn the key on and listen for the pump to pressurize... If you hear the pump, then it might be your fuel pressure regulator. If you don't hear the pump it might be your fuel pump relay.

Forgot to mention that we tested spark, cars getting spark, checked the fuel pump (old one didnt turn on, new one did) changed the fuel filter (like I said), pulled out the fuel line to the injectors (getting fuel to the injectors), checked the spark plugs (all fine).

Didnt do the starting fluid one, I'll try that tomorrow. Havnt checked compression, havnt checked timing. Could you guys tell me how to do all that?

*just noticed that Im not a forum sponser anymore, lol*

[Mr_Diesel]

To check cam timing you'll need a book to explain where all the marks need to line up on the timing belt... To check compression, you simply need to get a compression tester from an auto parts store. They usually come with various types of adapters. First, unplug your coil so that it won't produce a spark. Unscrew a spark plug, screw the compression tester in the spark plug hole, and have a friend crank the engine over for about 5 seconds. Note the maximum psi, and that is your compression. I've found it's best to do this with the engine hot, as this gives you a real world figure of your compression under normal operating circumstances. Repeat process on all 4 cylinders, making sure to write down your results.... Check for deviation... Anything more than 5-10psi difference and you could have a problem on your hands.... On the aba, you should be anywhere in the neighborhood of 110-140psi

If all the rest of that checks out, i'd check your fuel pressure regulator.

[kodkingvegeta]

To check cam timing you'll need a book to explain where all the marks need to line up on the timing belt... To check compression, you simply need to get a compression tester from an auto parts store. They usually come with various types of adapters. First, unplug your coil so that it won't produce a spark. Unscrew a spark plug, screw the compression tester in the spark plug hole, and have a friend crank the engine over for about 5 seconds. Note the maximum psi, and that is your compression. I've found it's best to do this with the engine hot, as this gives you a real world figure of your compression under normal operating circumstances.

If all the rest of that checks out, i'd check your fuel pressure regulator.

Lol, how can I test it warmed up if the car wont start, lol.

[Mr_Diesel]

Testing it hot or cold will tell you if you have dead cylinders, but only a hot test will tell you how your engine is truely performing.

[kodkingvegeta]

We figured it out, the timing belt broke. lol, How we didnt see that at first gets me.

[burn_your_money]

Yep that'll do it. I hope it's a non-interferance engine

[kodkingvegeta]

Yep that'll do it. I hope it's a non-interferance engine

What you mean? Non-Interferance engine?

[Mr_Diesel]

Interference means the valves and pistons will hit each other if the timing belt breaks.... Valve travel overlaps the area the pistons travel. When a timing belt breaks 100% of the time you will have bent valves, and sometimes it will crack your pistons too. If the engine was at a high rpm when the belt broke, it's a good chance the motor is garbage. Pull the cylinder head off and take it to a machine shop to see if it's rebuildable. The head might be damaged beyond repair.

[kodkingvegeta]

Interference means the valves and pistons will hit each other if the timing belt breaks.... Valve travel overlaps the area the pistons travel. When a timing belt breaks 100% of the time you will have bent valves, and sometimes it will crack your pistons too. If the engine was at a high rpm when the belt broke, it's a good chance the motor is garbage. Pull the cylinder head off and take it to a machine shop to see if it's rebuildable. The head might be damaged beyond repair.

I no this is old now, but the timing belt did snap, but it didnt take ANYTHING out when it snaped. Not a single bent valve. :D

[burn_your_money]

Very lucky, glad to hear it's in fine shape

[kodkingvegeta]

Very lucky, glad to hear it's in fine shape

Yup she diff is running better. :p I LOVE doing burn outs in it. :p