FW: [VW-VR6] Help!! car struggling in the cold

[Marc Gallagher <mgallagher@Langan.com>]

I had the exact same thing with our Saab 900.   Quite a few more miles and
age though (85 with 240,000).  But, it started to run VERY rough when cold
(engine, not air).  The colder the worse it ran.  It would start, run very
rough and then die.  I then had to wait a few minutes before restarting.
Then repeat the whole process until the engine was warm enough to hold the
idle.  Never found what was wrong, because we decided to get a new car
(GLX).  Anyway, I surmised with our mechanic that the head gasket was
probably shot (original) and that a small crack had developed, allowing
coolant to escape into a cylinder, causing the rough start and stalling.
Once warmed up, the gasket expanded ever so slightly, sealing the leak and
allowing me to go on my merry way.  Eventually it got to the point that it
wouldn't start and I got stranded on Route 80 in N Jersey.  That's all I can
suggest.  Are you smelling antifreeze on startup?  Is there any smoke?  Are
any plugs fouling quickly (my #4 fouled within 1 month of installing)?
Sorry I can't nail down for you.

Marc
97' Jetta GLX - Red/Black


-----Original Message-----
From: JSEVW@aol.com [mailto:JSEVW@aol.com]
Sent: 18 January, 2000 5:52 PM
To: gti-vr6@ccsi.com
Cc: jettaglx@igtc.com; VW-VR6@onelist.com
Subject: [VW-VR6] Help!! car struggling in the cold


From: JSEVW@aol.com

Hello all...

  I see I am not the only one having issues with this cold weather...  My 
problem has me perplexed.  My car is running very rough( no check engine 
light), missing perhaps, and sometimes it gets better when warmed up, but 
today it never ran right.  I checked the coil pack, and all "looked" well, 
then checked plug connection,ok as well.  I am stumped  :-(  I want to try
to 
fix this quick and cheep(just did clutch and lightened flywheel last week 
$$$$) because money is tight.  The car is a 95 Jetta VR6 with 82k, remus 
exhaust, 8mm plug wires, Garrett v. 9 ( 9? I think) chip, K&N panel 
filter.... and tons more, but only these effect the engine.  Could it be the

coil pack, wires( they are only 1 1/2 yrs old), or something else.  Anybody 
who has had simlar problems, or knows what it might be, please let me know 
ASAP...  

  thanks everyone, respond in private please if you like

jeff
95 vento VR6 modded....

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