Volkswagen: VW Wont stay Running, electronic fuel injection, vw cabriolet

Question
I have an 85 VW cabriolet with a 1.8L CIS electronic fuel injection.  The car will Idle but when i hit the gas it will just die out.  WHat could be causing this???

Answer
Hello Beau,

First check very carefully all of the vacuum hoses.   This is the most common reason.   Usually, a hose cracks causing the vehicle to idle, but when you go to take off it sucks air from the outside rather than from the FI system.

First start with that "Accordian" looking boot around your air filter, that leads to the throttle body.   They are notorius for cracking in between the bellows.

Take your time and look at each line.   If you feel comfortable and are mindful of all moving parts (belts, fan, etc), it is best to do it when the engine is running.

More times than not, when you find the culprit, the engine will either stall or sputter as you wiggle the hose.

Good Luck, and let me know how you make out.


Ron