QuestionI have a 1995 Vw Jetta III GL that is presently in the body shop, I'm having difficulty get it started. The car is actually firing from the start however it will not turn over, if I may add the car has set for about a two year period after being involved in an acciden. There was no damage done to the engine block. A friend of mine said that it's a possibility the fuel pump may have went bad being as though the car hasn't run in a while his reason for this reply is do to the fact he has Porche and he mentioned the motors are basically the same, he had also run into a simular problem with his Porche, perhaps you can give me help regarding this matter or should I have it placed on a diagnostic machine to locate the problem.
AnswerHi Germaine;
Yes it's true that in the old days of air cooled engines the Porsche, and the Volkswagen were very similar, however, this is not the case anymore. The first thing to do is clean out the fuel lines, replace the fuel filter, and then put it back together, and try to start it. The weakest link is the filter, not the pump. If still nothing then try the pump. But start over then too, because there is probably some sludge that has settled in the tank, and my feeling is it may be obstructin the pickup screen...it's basically a heavy duty nylon stocking that is protecting the pump in the tank. Maybe the most cost effective, and timely way to go would be to get the fuel tank out of the car, clean it, and the "nylon stocking" completely, or replace it, they are cheap, and available, and then get the lines blown out with shop air, and put in a new filter, and try it then. That sounds like the most successful way to go to me. But, please remember I'm trying to diagnose your car without seeing or hearing anything. That would just be my first attempt. I hope this helps you get to the root of the problem with your car, Germaine. Good luck.
