Golf spluttering on acceleration

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Mon 15 Jan 2007 22:13
Golf spluttering on acceleration - Profspacemonkey
We have a 2000 Golf, 1.6 petrol that has suddenly started to splutter badley on acceleraton until you get above 3/4000 revs. No warning, this problem just appeared hours after passing its MOT without fault. I checked the distributor and it was badley pitted, and the arm very badley pitted and worn. Fitted new ones and it didnt change a thing. There is a spark on every plug, but cyclinder number one made little difference when disconected until I cleaned the plug up. I then went on to think it was a fuel fault so added red-x to the tank and took it out for a 20min run and the problem seem to get worse.

Whilst idling its fine but from just reving it causes it to splutter, and worsens under load (actually driving it)
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Mon 15 Jan 2007 22:54
Golf spluttering on acceleration - Screwloose
Prof

Any idea of the engine code [choice of eight] - or even if it's an 8 valve or a 16? You mention that it's fine at idle, but that disconnecting #1 [at idle?] didn't drop the revs? What was the end of that plug like? Any burning or marks on the plug insulator; or on the HT lead cap?
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Mon 15 Jan 2007 23:11
Golf spluttering on acceleration - Profspacemonkey
All I know is thats its a 2000 model, 1.6 petrol, nowhere on the engine or car does it indicate 16v so I assume its a 8. When I first removed the HT lead #1 from the distibutor cap there was no change in the idle yet removing 2,3,4 it dropped considerably. I took the plug out and cleaned it up, now the engine seems to idle the same when any of the leads are removed.

The inside of the Distributor cap showed very bad signs of arcing as the rotar arm was very worn, there were burn marks all around the cap following the path of the rotor arm. I've replaced the cap and arm and it made no difference.

There are no signs of burning on the plug insulater.(that I could see)

The spark is strong but the plugs are scorched (not oily) The plugs have 4points so I assume they are of good quality.

It splutters more running thorugh the first 1000revs (when static) and the problem is significantly worse when pulling away. When Idling it runs best at 2000rpm, and to keep the accelration you need to be at 4000+ the rpoblem seems to be getting worse, is it likley to be dirt in the fuel system working its way though. I'd run it our but affraid it could be doing more damage (ie, timing etc)

A few hints:

This happened shortly after passing its MOT
The day before the fule tank ran very low

With all these possibilties we are totally lost and really do need to avoid putting it into a garage. Any help you cold offer would be sincerly appreciated.

Thanks for your reply
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Tue 16 Jan 2007 00:33
Golf spluttering on acceleration - Stuartli
As I've mentioned in a similar thread, I had pretty much the same problem with my 1.6 Bora.

Cleaning the battery terminals and connections restored the status quo. The terminals build up a resistance over time even with the use of petroleum jelly.

Because of the mild weather and normally instant starting, I hadn't cleaned the terminals as usual just before the onset of winter.
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What\'s for you won\'t pass you by
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Tue 16 Jan 2007 07:40
Golf spluttering on acceleration - Collos25
I think with the information given I would firstly change the plug leads as these have a nasty habit of breaking down and would give exactly the symptoms you have described.
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Tue 16 Jan 2007 09:23
Golf spluttering on acceleration - Peter D
Buy it some new plugs and a lead set. Regards Peter
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Tue 16 Jan 2007 14:16
Golf spluttering on acceleration - Profspacemonkey
Its Working !!!

Thank you to all those that helped. I changed the leads and it runs perfect. For future reference the leads are £32inc VAT. I had no idea HT leads could breakdown so easily without warning.

Thanks again to you all

Paul & Katie
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