Big Sky Euro

Working on my brothers car for the last couple days trying to get it to run correctly, 1979 CIS Rabbit. All new injectors previous owner said including the cold start valve. Fixed the vacuum leak it had. Now to the symptoms at idle it sounds like its chugging like a diesel I'll upload a video. At cold start you can press the accelerator to the floor and the idle won't change up or down. Idle is so low at start up the battery and egr lights are lit until pedal is depressed. What could cause this? I changed out the plugs the old ones are fuel fouled the system is dumping fuel. To add to this disaster some previous owner has rigged the cold start valve with a toggle and button on the middle console. I have a feeling this is part of the problem. Is there any way to test to see if the cold start valve is leaking or running while the car is running? Also compared to my cabby the wires on the cap are one position off. Finger on wire to cyl one.
wire two
wire three
wire four


Sketchy wiring or is this factory?

Grounded to the strut tower

I'm just trying to figure out where to start on this I have a Bentley for 76-79 rabbit and sirocco and 85-93 cabriolet and scirocco. Thanks in advance.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Video at idle. Couldn't get it to upload on youtube
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10200216265382561

Start basic, if you dont have a bently for a rabbit, you NEED one. First remove all wires and cap rotor, make sure they are clean, seat all timing marks. then set your plugs on in the known correct order. Its most likely fuel, there is a fuel plunger under the fuel distributor. if it doesnt freely slide up and down, it will never fuel correct or respond to the pedal. sounds like there is enough fuel pressure, but could still be an issue, if this car has sat for too long a period, all the high pressure fuel system (around 90 psi) could be gummed up in a few areas. its most likely timing or the fuel dizzy. There are some veteran CIS gurus in your area, and Some say... they can be bribed with beers, and that
they may be equipped with two sets of knees.

Remember I found that vac leak when we were at City Brew? It's at the top of the intake IIRC, and it just needs a worm clamp (maybe that's the one you fixed?). Also, your timing sounds set a bit retarded, and it could be advanced a bit - motor sounds strong once the RPM's get up a bit. I have a good timing light and we can set it correctly in about 3 mins.

That cold start valve is a PO hack. Should be easily fixable with correcting the wiring. We can use my Caddy as reference (and my Bentley).

I would call myself an expert, but CIS is very simple, and I messed around enough with my CIS system (including rebuilding a fuel dizzy) that I can help you out if you can get it to my garage. Maybe Sunday would work? MKI GTG?

I don't care what Kevin says, MKI's are the bomb...save 'em all.

As long as I don't have to use my knees Sunday works for me Mike about 2 is that alright with you? I did throw a couple new hose clamps on the hard line which I believe is the one that was leaking and tightened up the one on the brake booster hard line which was loose. Sounds like a good way to start my Spring Break . Thanks again fellas.

ya, that ghetto cold start and the aftermarket AC was the owner from forsyth. Wish i had some info for ya sorry!!! Hope you get her hoppin strong!!!

2pm would be great, no problem. If anyone else wants to come out they are welcome as well.

Thanks Mike and Wade for giving up your Sunday afternoon to help us out on this.

No problem, glad to help. It's running better, but I had a thought after you guys left - check out the crank/cam timing. I'm wondering if the cam is off one tooth. That might explain a bit of the sluggishness.

It's easy - pull the top half of the timing cover, put the motor at TDC. The timing mark on the crank pulley should line up with the arrow on the lower timing belt cover. The mark on the cam pulley should line up with the mark on the valve cover. If they line up, the cam and crank are timed correctly, and if not, the belt needs to be loosened so the cam pulley can be set properly and the belt reset.

It's all in the Bentley you should have in your hands today

I will check that Mike. My third Bentley showed up today. Still had heavy hesitation on the way home but it idles and starts fine. Maybe the timing needs to be retarded slightly and idle raised and so vacuum advance can take place once passed idle. I'll play with it when I get a chance this week before I leave for Vegas