Intermittent non-start in Golf CL 1998, fuel pump/relay/delivery issue? Help please!

[lozfromoz]

Hi everyone,
I'm new to the forum but this is my second Golf, I started out with a 1977 Mk 1 which used to give me tons of trouble but I loved it to bits so when it came time for an upgrade I moved on to a manual 1.8L 1998 CL! I have tried to search through for threads on similar issues so I don't have to bother anyone, but can't find anything quite right, so apologies if I am duplicating another thread but I'm really trying not to!!!
I've been having a problem with my car over the past 6 months or so that is now becoming a lot more regular, but still not regular enough that I can take it to a mechanic and have them be able to experience or identify the issue! My Golf will sometimes not start, it almost never happens first thing in the morning when I'm leaving, most often it is when I try to start the car when I've been at work or uni all day, it just won't start. It's trying to start, turning over etc, and it's not an electrical issue (as far as I can tell) as I've replaced the plugs and plug leads myself, had the coil etc checked and it's making a good spark. Originally I would still be able to get the car to start if I either pumped my foot on the pedal or put it flat to the floor (I know this is bad since it's injected but it was the only thing that worked!), but now this often doesn't work. Another trick that would usually work would be to open the fuel cap for a minute, start the car while it was open, then close it up and head off- this doesn't work anymore either. Roadside assistance suggested replacing the fuel pump the other day when I was really stuck and couldn't get it going (Roadside got it going by taking off a hose and spraying aerostart or similar stuff down), but this is $450 just for the part and then one of the online quotes I got said that if you replace the fuel pump you also have to replace the fuel sender, which is another $320 and Roadside (and my mechanic) aren't even sure if that will fix it. I had it at the mechanic for most of a day a little while ago but they couldn't duplicate the problem and couldn't find anything wrong except that the fuel pressure was lower than it should be (about 18psi rather than around 30 where it's apparently meant to be).
I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions as to what it might be, what else I can try, before I go as far as the pump??? VIN no is WVWZZZ1HWW190836 if that helps. Or does anyone have any info on how the fuel delivery/fuel regulation system works??
Thank you so much for reading this, I'm sorry it's so wordy and I really appreciate any help that anyone can give me as I'm at my wits end and can't afford to just spend heaps of money for something that may not fix it!!!

[pimpossible]

I had a similar problem. Car would take a while to crank over and one day lost power while driving. Replaced fuel filter, checked relays and they were all fine. In the end I replaced the fuel pump and it's been great, actually much better than before as the car was running rich and boggy before I replaced it.

Most of the time they come together as a set when purchased on online/ebay etc. Theres a genuine used set on ebay atm which is a decent price, brand new genuine parts are always expensive though.

[SpeciP3]

Hey, from your symptoms sounds like a fuel pump or problem with the fuel supply.
First thing is listen when you turn the key into the on position, is there a whine or noise from the pump? If so may indicate pump is on the way out. Unfortunately a second hand pump is generally not an option.
Another problem may be in the fuel filter (gunked up) or a split or blocked fuel line, meaning the amount of fuel delivered to the engine is insufficient to start, especially when hot.
Have you had any problems with fuel economy, stalling or alike?
Also are there any problems with hesitation when you put your foot down?

Cheers,
Mike

[lozfromoz]

Thank you Mike and pimpossible for replying!!
pimpossible- thank you for the link, do you know if it would matter if I put a 2L fuel pump on when it's a 1.8L car? I'm sorry I have no idea! I haven't lost power while driving (so far) but that's probably going to happen soon knowing my luck!
Mike- There is no whine or noise from the pump (definitely no whine anyway, not sure what other noise might be there). The fuel filter and lines have been checked and are ok, the problem happens both when hot and cold, parked uphill and downhill facing. Fuel economy has been ok although maybe a little more thirsty, also remembered that the idle used to hold steady at 900rpm and sometimes now goes up to 2000 or so and sits there, then drops after a bit (ie stop at lights, idle is high, eventually drops before you take off again). It doesn't hesitate when I put my foot down but it is probably a little more boggy than it used to be, I just figured that's because she's getting old but maybe not?!

[lozfromoz]

Thank you Mike and pimpossible for replying!!
pimpossible- thank you for the link, do you know if it would matter if I put a 2L fuel pump on when it's a 1.8L car? I'm sorry I have no idea! I haven't lost power while driving (so far) but that's probably going to happen soon knowing my luck!
Mike- There is no whine or noise from the pump (definitely no whine anyway, not sure what other noise might be there). The fuel filter and lines have been checked and are ok, the problem happens both when hot and cold, parked uphill and downhill facing. Fuel economy has been ok although maybe a little more thirsty, also remembered that the idle used to hold steady at 900rpm and sometimes now goes up to 2000 or so and sits there, then drops after a bit (ie stop at lights, idle is high, eventually drops before you take off again). It doesn't hesitate when I put my foot down but it is probably a little more boggy than it used to be, I just figured that's because she's getting old but maybe not?!