Hi fellas.

Got a problem that is becoming more serious as time goes on, Starting the car is becoming an issue, im only new to the game and starting the learn the car;

Its pretty cold here in Australia atm but When the Ignition is turned the engine will crank for a second or so then stop, or the starter will juzz "wizz" as if the engine is seized?

But if i depress the clutch and pump the gas whilst cranking, it eventually runs, but only at high revs (above 2500-3000rpm) until warm then runs, but with a slight rough idle and spluttering?

Is this the result of dirty plugs, carbon build-up, in need of a tune? or something more sinister? the car is also backfiring during shifting sometimes.

Cheers Matt.

1985 12A S3.

 

The starter whirring may be a failing starter solenoid, I have the same problem occasionally. Pull your plugs and check them. If they are heavily carboned, clean/replace them. If they continue to foul, it may be time to go through the carb.

When starting cold, don't pull the choke all the way out. That high of rpm is not necessary, nor good for a cold engine. You only need enough rpms for the engine to run and warm up.

Backfiring may be due to running rich, timing off or an exhaust leak. What mods have you done, if any, to the emissions?

 

Replace plugs with NGK BR9EQ14. Check timing with a timing light: that's pretty easy, but sometimes the notches on the pulley are obscured by crud, so you have to clean it up.

You may have a deteriorated battery cable, or even a bad ground cable. They can be checked with a cheap voltmeter, digital or analog (I got one for $6 at Harborfreight). You'll probbably need a couple alligator clips so you can attach the meter leads, prop the meter on the cowl and turn the ignition switch.

 

Cheers for that

i changed those plugs with the ones you suggested and there is an improved noticeable difference in starting and idle, i checked the timing and its fine? i think it must be a problem with the carby?

The starter is still spinning and not cranking the engine sometimes? someone suggested it was the battery, but its showing voltage on the dashboard indicator about 13v, and all the other electrics seem fine.

The starter will only crank the engine with the clutch depressed? and without dabbing the gas pedal the engine wont fire? as soon as i give it a little gas it turnes over. think ill have to pull it and have a look or see if i can get it refreshed?

Just trying to keep the poor thing alive until i can put some decent cash into it next year

matt