1990 B3 Passat - Busted?

YouTube · Post by **Mikewire** » Mar Fri 16, 2007 11:32 am

I just inherited a Passat from my step dad. It runs great for a few miles and then just quits running, like out of fuel. I know that he had it in a shop here in town and had the fuel pump and filter replaced, and the fuel distributor rebuilt. Eariler last year we dropped the tank and drained the fuel after a report that a Cenex had mixed diesel with unleaded on acident, but that didn't seem to help. Does anyone have any possible suggestions on what the problem could be?

Post by **t53a** » Mar Fri 16, 2007 12:27 pm

sounds like a fueling issue. If the pump, filter, tank, fuel dizzy are know good. Then i would start checking/replacing sensors.

Does it die once it is warm? or is it almost a set miles thing? Im also assuming this is a 2.0 16v?

alot of the sensors in the fuel system are temp sensetive. there are a few in the head mainly on the right side, and one in the back.

bad temp sensors for the fuel system would cause the "it runs good for a few minutes" syndrome.

could also be a combination of sensors. also check the o2 sensor. 3 wire sensors are spendy, but the 1 wire ones are a dime a dozen.

good luck!

YouTube · Post by **Mikewire** » Mar Fri 16, 2007 1:24 pm

littlewhitebeast wrote:sounds like a fueling issue. If the pump, filter, tank, fuel dizzy are know good. Then i would start checking/replacing sensors.

Does it die once it is warm? or is it almost a set miles thing? Im also assuming this is a 2.0 16v?

alot of the sensors in the fuel system are temp sensetive. there are a few in the head mainly on the right side, and one in the back.

bad temp sensors for the fuel system would cause the "it runs good for a few minutes" syndrome.

could also be a combination of sensors. also check the o2 sensor. 3 wire sensors are spendy, but the 1 wire ones are a dime a dozen.

good luck!

Sorry, it's the 2.0 16v Auto.

It runs great for a few miles and then just dumps...and it gets towed to whomevers hose is the closest. Personally, I rode it in when it stalled and I have always thought it was a sensor thing, but my step dad took it to a shop in town that the guy "knows" VW's and has been to schools and workshops etc. I would think he would pull codes, but doubt is was done. He was the guy who installed the rebuilt dizzy and new aux fuel pump.

I've been reading about the pumps, dizzys, and sensors, but am not sure where to start. The dizzy rebuilt, aux pump was replaced, but I need to check with him to see if the main pump was also replaced. As far as I know NO sensors have been replaced.

I need to get the ODBI 2x2 vag-com adapter and I can pull codes. I don't have one, but will buy one now...unless anybody knows how to adapt the four wire OBDI to the OBD2 - maybe someone knows the pinouts?

It's in my driveway as we speak, so I can tinker with it and get it to start hopefully, but until I get the adapter I really can't diagnose anything that can't be visually diagnosed.

Post by **t53a** » Mar Fri 16, 2007 2:24 pm

most of the engine sensors can be checked with a ohm meter. do you have a bently for this passat?

YouTube · Post by **Mikewire** » Mar Fri 16, 2007 2:39 pm

No, it's a brand new project so I have little to start with. I have barely even looked at a B3, but it will be worth the time and money to fix another VW.

Post by **Custom VW** » Mar Fri 16, 2007 3:30 pm

thigns that die when warm.....pumps...and modules.
the ignition madule can die rather slowly. sounds like your going to basic tests. if you need any info outta the book, I've got it. I'm not convinced on fuel, I would lean towards electrical.get the thing to stal out, and immediately get out and start testing. is there oil in the dist cap?

YouTube · Post by **Mikewire** » Mar Fri 16, 2007 3:43 pm

Custom VW wrote:thigns that die when warm.....pumps...and modules.
the ignition madule can die rather slowly. sounds like your going to basic tests. if you need any info outta the book, I've got it. I'm not convinced on fuel, I would lean towards electrical.get the thing to stal out, and immediately get out and start testing. is there oil in the dist cap?

That's one of the first things I'm going to open up when I tear into it. From what I understand the seal goes and the hall sensor gets mucked up and then it dies?

Here's my checklist:

Pump relay 101 & 109
Distributor/plugs/wires
Main/Aux fuel pump
CPS
Hall sensor
Ignition switch
Vacuum leak
Injectors
Coolant sensor

Care to add or eliminate anything? More suggestions?

YouTube · Post by **Mikewire** » Mar Sat 17, 2007 1:20 pm

Looks like it is the timing belt...

I get nothing turning on the top end and the belt is not turning from the top. I can't seem to get the plastic cover off yet, and I want to tear off the air box for better access but all the fuel and injector lines sit on top in the way. So, does anyone have the bently pages for timing belt replacement? I hope the top end is not toast from it breaking.

Post by **Rennwagen1** » Mar Sat 17, 2007 2:40 pm

Did it die differently the last time it did it? If it was the same, it wasn't timing belt. It wouldn't run at all without that.....It sound electical to me also....

YouTube · Post by **Mikewire** » Mar Sat 17, 2007 3:01 pm

Rennwagen1 wrote:Did it die differently the last time it did it? If it was the same, it wasn't timing belt. It wouldn't run at all without that.....It sound electical to me also....

Well, I wasn't driving it, so I don't know...but I pulled the dist and the cam is not turning when I turn the starter over.