Car Won't Fire/start

**Antonvs** · 04-09-2010, 07:11 PM

I have a problem that i dont know how to fix!
I got a new battery for my Golf, so now it cranks really well but i cant get it to fire up and start. Like i turn the key, the engine cranks for a few seconds and then gives up and doesnt fire!!!.
What possibly can i check, as it is happening on and off, sometimes it starts and goes fine for a week, and then sometimes it doesnt want to start at all.

Its not giving me much confidence to take it out anywhere in this state!

**Peter Jones** · 04-09-2010, 07:15 PM

Try the points in the dizzy first, they need replacing/adjusting about every 12 months.

**Antonvs** · 04-09-2010, 07:27 PM

Hi Peter, What do you mean by "Try the points on the dizzy first" do you mean just to check all the connections to it? and see if theyre connecting well?
Ill go try that now.

**Antonvs** · 04-09-2010, 07:35 PM

Everything leading to the dizzy and all the leads to the spark plugs look good...

**Peter Jones** · 04-09-2010, 07:49 PM

Look inside the dizzy. Take the cap off.

Inside there is a set of contacts (points) that open and close as the engine rotates.

These are what switch current to the coil which in turn produces a spark.

The setting of the gap between the contacts is part of tuning these motors.

Over time the points wear out through arcing. Usually the gap closes up due to deposits forming on the contacts.

These can be filed off and the gap reset or they can be replaced.

Try googling for "how to set points'

Pete

**Peter Jones** · 04-09-2010, 07:57 PM

Here you go,take a look at this. This is an aircooled motor but the points are the same.

**dado** · 04-09-2010, 08:14 PM

Originally Posted by Peter Jones

Try the points in the dizzy first, they need replacing/adjusting about every 12 months.

I have a problem as well! The car started to misfire over a few days and I was unable to start one morning and have not start it since. It cranks and have fuel.Is it common to have this simptons prior to this fault.