Help Me Get This Bomb Running!!!

[GermanwithaVdub]

well i've got the mk2 for my project, and its currently sitting in my friends garage. i want to get it up and running with its 8v engine for the time being to get it reg'd so that its out of my friend's way (gonna owe her lots of dinners for using her garage).

so anyway i went over there with a mate today and got the radiator and fan installed, got some petrol in her and tried to start it. it turned over but didnt run.

after fiddling around all day we ended up with a flat battery (stupid us) so decided to try and jump start it. it worked (kinda) but the accelerator wasnt doing anything and i couldnt keep it going. the throttle cable was definitely working and i cant think of what to try next (not to mention i dont have a bentley and im very unexperienced with cars)

also, the oil light on the dash was constantly flashing. it definitely has oil in it but could there be too much? is the oil meant to be upto the rough part of the dipstick or above it? because the oil level is up to about an inch or two above the rough section of the dipstick (sorry if im not making sense)

sooo basically what im after from you generous blokes (and girls) is maybe some suggestions of things i should try? id be grateful for any advice thanks

here's a few pics for entertainment

WARNING: May distress some viewers to see a dub in pain

[anarchycamp]

Your oil level is way too high by the sound of it, i think ideal is smack bang in the middle of the rough bit or just above, i wouldnt be running the engine at all with that much oil in it at all as you can do some nasty damage Then again, if your dropping a VR6 in it, who cares!!

It is a VR6 you are doing isnt it? Check this out

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=3415980

[GermanwithaVdub]

well i was originally thinking vr6, i love that engine, but finding a donor car is proving more difficult than expected.

on the other hand, theres an abundance of 20vt engines going through the auction yards, mostly in audi a4's.

just trying to get the thing up and running for the time being until i have more time in november decemberish (brothers from germany coming to visit then too)

ill replace the oil and give it another go

[Jmac]

Wellbut where do we start mate? More than happy to help you. Ive saw worse believe me! You are at the fun part i call them DOA dead on arrival (the best way for a tech) This way you can start at the beginning with the basics. Firstly just to touch on the oil thing yes you have too much in her but would probably start if it was going to. If it is the oil that has been lying in it, change it but you may need to change it again. The reason for this is that if you are not getting a spark but hetting fuel there is a chance you can dilute the oil with fuel. Ok you will need plenty of battery power. When it is turnig over is it turning really fast or does the engine sound normal when turning over? and can you send me a close up image of your engine bay? i also need the age of your beast, you probably have already told me but ill ask again, let me know and we will see what we can do. One more thing how long has the thing sat for?

[Golf Loon]

Have you adjusted the timing?

A twiddle of the dissy may yield results, but mark it before you start so you can put it back as it was.

Also for increased cranking speed, take out a spark plug and see if it will start on 3. If it does, whack the plug back in and it should then start.

If you want to bring it to Campbelltown, or pay me to tow it here, we`ll make it sing for you.

[GermanwithaVdub]

Wellbut where do we start mate? More than happy to help you. Ive saw worse believe me! You are at the fun part i call them DOA dead on arrival (the best way for a tech) This way you can start at the beginning with the basics. Firstly just to touch on the oil thing yes you have too much in her but would probably start if it was going to. If it is the oil that has been lying in it, change it but you may need to change it again. The reason for this is that if you are not getting a spark but hetting fuel there is a chance you can dilute the oil with fuel. Ok you will need plenty of battery power. When it is turnig over is it turning really fast or does the engine sound normal when turning over? and can you send me a close up image of your engine bay? i also need the age of your beast, you probably have already told me but ill ask again, let me know and we will see what we can do. One more thing how long has the thing sat for?

haha thanks for the optimism. its a 1990 aussie sold gti 8v (dont know the vin off hand since its at my friend's place but i think its a WVWZZZ1GZMW######)

since i got it at auction, sight-unseen, i really know NOTHING about it. its probably been laying around for at least a month or two, maybe even 5x that long for all i know :S

the engine sounds normal when ticking over, like it was almost starting but not quite

so ill change the oil, charge the battery, adjust the timing and see where it gets me and report back

Have you adjusted the timing?

A twiddle of the dissy may yield results, but mark it before you start so you can put it back as it was.

Also for increased cranking speed, take out a spark plug and see if it will start on 3. If it does, whack the plug back in and it should then start.

If you want to bring it to Campbelltown, or pay me to tow it here, we`ll make it sing for you.

havent touched the timing, ill give that a go tomorrow

i may end up giving in and bringing it out there but not till im totally stumped

[Golf Loon]

Has it got fuel?

If it hasnt started properly, dont worry about the flashing oil light, that should go out when it starts.

0423 051737 in business hours if you need mate

[GermanwithaVdub]

yep put 5L of 98 in it

i'm sure ill be calling that number more than 1ce along the way with this mk2 hehe

[86gti]

Got any spark???
best place to start..
Take a lead off and hold the plug to the block or something to earth it out and crank it over n see if you have spark...hold the lead with plastic covered pliers incase u get a big boot from the ignition system.....
if so....fuel pumps running??
if so hold your hand over the airflow meter (fully blocked off) while some one cranks it with their foot flat to the floor any signs of firing then take your hand off it. zoom zoom , should go.
Oil should be to the top of the rough bit too.