TheSamba.com :: View topic - '90 Jetta - Floods on Startup after sitting -

Tue Apr 11, 2006 4:41 pm

fuel injected car can flood ? who knew -
well it seems it may be the ECU that has taken a crap -

if the car sits for more than 4 hours - when i go to start it - it will rev up slow to like 2500 rpm then shut off like i hit the ignition off -
then after repeat attempts of trying to start it - it sounds like it isnt even sparking - i can take the plugs out and they are covered in gas - and the oil ( on the dip stick ) smells like gas.

It seems to me that the injectors are staying open too long -

any ideas --- should i start by replacing the ECU or check out the injectors ???

anyone have a used ECU for 1990 Jetta 8v ? #037906022

Wed Apr 12, 2006 9:01 am

I would start by replacing the o-rings on the injectors. My old RX-7 used to flood, and it was caused by leaky o-rings. I replaced them and it cured the problem right away.

Thu Apr 13, 2006 9:22 pm

Rather than drop any money on a used part that you might not need(and couldn't return), I'd get a good diagnosis from a trained VW tech....even if you fix it yourself, the diagnosis can ultimately save you money over what we in the parts business call "throwing parts at it."

Digifant injection(used on 8v engines from 88 to 92) has a reputation of being very quirky, and subject to electrical gremlins. My first suggestion is to unplug, clean & reconnect any & all electrical connections you can reach under the hood. Use a good electrical cleaner(like CRC 'LectroMotive'), and some di-electric grease on the connections before reconnecting.

Fri Apr 21, 2006 9:30 pm

no changes yet - seems to be more specific to the cold- which makes me look towards the ECU more --- so ima gonna replace it and see where that gets me

Sat Apr 22, 2006 7:14 am

An $8.00 part to try is the Coolant temp sensor, It basically tells the ECU where to be at what time. If the sensor is bad you will run way rich. I bet you replace that sensor and she will be A OK! :D

Sat Apr 22, 2006 9:30 am

That coolant sensor is a good idea, even if you're not sure if it's the bad part; I kept an extra in the glove box of my '91 Jetta, which is a pretty common practice for Digifart owners.

The blue sensor is VW # 025.906.041.A, and the o-ring is N.903.168.02 8)

Sat Apr 22, 2006 10:22 am

hmm --- have replaced that sensor fairly recently when this issue first started --- maybe worth a try - that sensor is only like $5.00 --- and especially since it seems to be cold specific --- but would that sensor being out allow the injectors to stay open too long and flood the engine ???

Sat Apr 22, 2006 2:33 pm

Yes it would, The way the ECU defaults it would give you a rich condition, if it were a lean condition and the motor kept running it could burn things up.

Fri Jul 21, 2006 3:09 pm

BTW --- It was the ECU -- replaced it -- runs and starts like a champ

Fri Jul 21, 2006 7:52 pm

leonsta wrote: BTW --- It was the ECU -- replaced it -- runs and starts like a champ

typical Digi issue - usually caused by a bad ground - so better check that out before u fry another one.