'96-Golf-GL-2.0 - Request For Guidance & Suggestions

[SleePac]

* 1996
* MK4
* Golf
* GL
* 2.0
* 143,xxx miles
* Just purchased for our daughter and I'm concerned....
* Was running ok for the first couple of weeks.
* Started this morning (high 30's - very foggy - lots of moisture in the air.
* Ran for maybe 4 ~ 7 seconds...sputtered once...died
* For over $130, today, I've replaced:
* Spark Plugs
* Spark Plug Wires
* Distributor Cap
* Rotor under Distributor Cap

Double checked....triple checked....the firing order and the the placement of the plugs to the cap and engine. 1, 3, 4, 2 firing order with the # 1 at the top of the "diamond" then the # 3 to the right - the # 4 at the bottom of the diamond (home plate, so to speak) - the # 2 at the left closest to the engine - with the middle cable assembly going up to the starter coil. The molded in # 1 under the distributor cap is actually where the # 3 spot is on the top of the distributor cap.....make sense?

Still not cutting it.....she sure wants to crank and start.....so I'm convinced the battery is fine.

Just looking to you experts for knowledge, suggestions, thoughts, well wishes for a low bill when the mechanic comes back to me....etc.

Thanks.

Discouraged in Detroit!

[SleePac]

Back with an update just to close out this thread.

Mechanic removed the timing belt. There was noticeable slack in the timing belt. Slight adjustment and it fired right up. However, when moving the cam / belt tensioner circular assembly that is bolted right to engine the bolt came out and that was the issue....when the bolt came out, the internal threads from the tapped side (engine side) came out with the bolt. Nice.....

So.......options look like this:

* JB Weld.....no, sounds ridiculous
* Helicoil assembly and make it right......makes me nervous
* I suggested that we create a new interface......make the engine side hole slightly larger and the pass thru hole on the circular belt tensioner assembly slightly larger so that the two sides match.

Turns out, solution three above is what I told him to go ahead with.....

We're back in action and it would appear we solved the issue. Starts wonderfully.....runs splendidly......

Just wanted to close out the concern.

Happy Thanksgiving Y'all!