QuestionI do have spark all the way to the plugs, I pulled them out still attached and started the vehicle, well tried spark on all plugs was great. I also removed all four lines from the fuel dist. block that does to the fuel injectors, when I crank the car nothing comes out of the four holes that would lead straight to the injectors. There is a small pump on the side of the unit, is that the main fuel pump? Is that my problem? I know I am getting gas to the dist. block, just not past it. It is a 1988 Volkswagon Jetta. I am back out to try and fix it. I will keep you updated and await your response, Thanks.
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Followup To
Question -
I now have a dead Jetta. Here is the break down, my Jetta was having an Idol problem for months now, figured it was a vacuum deal. No problem but the other day it died. I removed a line from the distribution block that appeared to be the line that fead full in. It was pressured with tons of gas coming out however the four lines going to the fuel injectors were not receiving any fuel. When I removed a bolt from the side of the fuel dist. that seamed to be a pressure bolt or something a little gas would goto the lines, no where near enough however to run the vehicle. I am trying to find a diagram of the Fuel dist. block and parts around it to better under stand what it does but have found myself in a pickle. Short of replacing the top of the air filter cap on up through the fuel dist. block I have down what I can to figure it out. Please let me know what you think
Answer -
Hi Justin,
That is a normal pressure situation for the fuel-distributor on a Jetta. High-pressure at the main, and none to the injectors, unless it is running.
The best way to diagnose this is to hook back up the lines, and perform a pressure check at the injectors. (or at least check for fuel coming out, as someone cranks the engine).
Just ensure that the coil is disconnected, and be careful with the raw fuel coming out.
1) Verify if you are getting fuel out at the injectors (someone must be cranking the engine, and I'd suggest having a small container to catch the fuel). Another way to do this is to take a brief smell at the tailpipe and let me know if you smell gas at all.
2) Let me know what year your Jetta is.
This way, we can 100% see if you have a fuel problem. If not, we'll move fast on to the next probable causes:
1) Vacuum
2) Spark-Related
Keep me posted, and look forward to helping you out!
Ron
AnswerJustin,
The small thing next to the Fuel Distributor isn't the fuel pump, it's called a control pressure regulator and it holds the proper fuel pressure and returns the excess to the tank. Your fuel pump should be in or near the tank.
If you have pressure and a spark, but no distribution --- this may be the problem:
The air-sensor plate. It is a round dish-like thing that is connected to the big accordian-looking rubber air hose. This plate is pressed down by air as you start the car and actuates an arm which presses a plunger in the fuel distributor. This plunger lets out the fuel to be distributed to each cylinder.
Next Step:
1) Find the plate, push it down with your hand gently, and with all the spark-stuff disconnected, have someone turn the car over. You should now get fuel at the injectors.
What I suspect is happening is:
a) The plate is jammed or stuck, not pushing the plunger, preventing the fuel from being distributed.
or
b) There is weak/no air-pressure to push down the plate as you try to start the car. This could be due to a major vacuum leak---(i.e. a tear in that large rubber elbow thing..you really need to look at that carefully to check for leaks, you need to squish it slightly and check for tears.) Or, the air-filter is clogged, not allowing enough air into the engine to press down that air and fuel control unit plate.
Check these things out.
Again, if you press down on that plate and fuel is now going to the cylinders, you know that the plate is not opening for some reason, narrowing down your search.
Good Luck and keep me posted.
Ron
