running problems

[ms]

Heres the short version of my story. I have a 1984 rabbit convertable , it has sat for 7 years waiting for me to start semi restore it. The reason it was pulled off the road was the gas tank was rusting on the inside. The rust was clogging the transfer pump filter in the gas tank .So about two months ago I started to work on the rabbit. I replaced the gas tank and fuel pump but not the transfer pump.Transfer pump is working fine and screen has been cleaned. I also replaced the fuel lines (rubber ones) going to the tank.The fuel filter under the hood is new as well as the spark plugs , cap , rotor , oil filter , oil , battery , tectonics exhaust . I also cleaned every electrical connection with crc and sanded down any ground mounting spot. I put new gas in tank with fuel injector cleaner. Oh and I did replace the air filter and cleaned out the airbox. And I bought a used fuel dist. unit and it came with a used fuel pressure regulator . Sorry I thought this would have been shorter but I want everyone to know how much I have done. Anyway here is my problem , the rabbit WONT STAY RUNNING!!!!! I am now lost . I thought about just buying a new fuel dist. and fuel pump regulator .The car will start but not stay running for more than 10 to 15 seconds.Any help will be great ! The rabbit is a 1984 gas model 1.8 just like the gti model with cis and 5 speed , convertable . Thanks again

[Fourt1thirty]

Pull the injectors out and put themin clear bottles. Remove the boot from the top of the flow plate. Jumper the fuel pump relay on and pull the flowplate up until you get a steady spray of fuel from the injectors.

If this doesn't help try turning up the idle fuel adjustment (3mm allen, covered in the bentley manual). Also check for vacuum leaks.

You're running off the cold start injector... just gotta get enough fuel flowing through the rest of the system.

[ms]

I got the rabbit running ! I cleaned all the injectors and removed and cleaned the cold start valve too. I installed new orings on all the injectors. I went to a salvage yard and got as many wire harness connectors that I could . I cut all my old wire connectors and wired all the better ones on . I also removed the fuel warm up regulator off the front of the engine block and cleaned the inside with electrical cleaner , and the outside where the fuel line run in and out with 2+2 fuel cleaner. Then adjusted the flow plate like you said with the allen wrench.Oh I forgot I also used 2+2 in all of the fuel lines when they were apart .I soaked overnight all of the fuel distributor fuel bolts in cleaner . The car starts right up and idles , but it will still have a floating idle .but for the most part it will idle fine around 1400 rpms. My next question where should the idle really be ? I am so used to my 2008 jetta running smooth that this rabbit sounds more like a diesel car !!!!! I do know I have to replace the exhaust manifold gasket yet because I can hear a leak there . Also at the cat converter connection to the exhaust manifold.

[stevethefolkie]

Great job!

AFAIK you should idle between 800 and 1000 RPM - I'd replace all the vacuum lines before I'd do anything else - they dry out, get hard, crack and then leak - which will give you a rolling and rough idle.

[ms]

Thanks I will do that !

[ms]

I forgot to mention that when I was reinstalling the fuel lines to the fuel distributor that they made contact with the battery that I never unhooked ? So when I tried starting the car The engine bay went up in flames for about a minute or so !Lucky me I replace all the burned up wirs and hoses and fuel lines and the DAMN car started right up !!!!!!!

[BadBradokc]

Did you replace your o2 sensor? It will run rough and flaky if you have never replaced it. The o2 sensor leans and enrichens your fuel system. I had this prob several times. You can get a universal cheap about 20-30 bucks. If they wanna sell you the Bosch original want about 75-100 bucks.