Volkswagen: High Compression????, golf gti 8v, poor earth

Question
John,
I have recently purchased a mark 2 1990 golf GTI 8v, upon starting it turns over almost immediately but not the normal sound i am used to hearing, its more like the sound of a large starter motor struggling to turn over or a low power battery. Dont get me wrong it starts ok but i am unsure if it needs a new starter or it could just be high compression?? the guy who had the car before me said it had always been like it for the 5 months he had it... any ideas??

Many thanks in advance

All the best

Rob O'Donnell

Answer
it could be any one of numerous faults. high compression is very unlikely though. it may be a poor earth or poor live to the starter. try bridging it using a jump lead to check. it may be a low amperage battery, i have an 89 8v gti, and use a 46ah battery. finally if both of the above points are ok, then it may be a tired starter motor. personally if it is a weak starter then i would just keep an eye on it and replace it if it gets worse. good luck and enjoy your gti.