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Messages - Michael_Mc

47
I.C.E & Electrical / Re: MFA
Is the MFA connection plugged in? It connects under the steering column with a white plastic four pin connection. Looks a bit like an old computer power connection from the 90’s if that helps?!

I’ve known the MFA button to fail too, but I’d check the connection first. It’s common to disconnect this when the stalks come off and it’s independent to all the other steering switchgear so easy connection to forget.
48
General Chat / Re: Ask anything about FINLAND
On the language issue - I think it's quite embarrassing how so much of the world have a second(and beyond)  language and so much of the UK just doesn't. I think it's almost an arrogance, "well everyone knows English, so what's the point?" sort of thing? I wish I'd taken language more seriously at school - My French is "tourist-plus" so I can get by, but that's about it! :( Your grasp of the English language Bamppa puts many English people I know to shame.... :)
49
Members' Cars / Re: 1989 LHD Special GTI 8v
In other news the replacement primary pump arrived and after an hour or so swearing it’s in!

And.....


Drumroll......

He starts again!!! Yay!! Sounds a bit rough and clearly exhaust needs attention but so so pleased he starts and runs again. A surprise a new pump failed so quickly (18 months) with no use, but I think as suggested that was the exactly the issue, lack of use!!

So please and everyone in the house is so grateful for the stink of petrol now running through the whole of downstairs.... 

:)
50
Members' Cars / Re: 1989 LHD Special GTI 8v
Thanks PFN!

I asked my wife for them for Christmas (only guarantee way of getting car parts I need!) but they’re from eBay. Don’t think they were this much but they are decent ones and are meant to avoid hyper flash but I’ve not tried that yet and seen that stated before!

They do a stop/tail. They were also on my list but I only got the one set sadly in my stocking!

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/392519456576
51
Members' Cars / Re: 1989 LHD Special GTI 8v
Fitted some LED indicator bulbs as I wait for other parts to turn up.

I've left the original bulbs in sides and front so I'm not suffering hyperflash with them.

I figured if (read when) I break down I'd much rather be seen clearly from the rear.

Very nice and bright and a big improvement on the standard halogen bulbs fitted before.

Video shows new bulb in left and old in right. Apologies for the garage mess....I blame Golfy for that.

LED Indicators video
52
Members' Cars / Re: 1989 LHD Special GTI 8v
Quote from: pfnsht on
There will be some fuel in the casing, maybe 4-5 mugs worth? It won't flow continually though. I can't remember myself if any will fall out on a pump change alone (probably is the answer). I took the whole unit off the car and drained it when i was investigating.

 

Perfect, thanks for that. That was my biggest concern that it’d run freely. I’m not sure if I’ll need to remove it from the bottom of the car yet, I’m hopeful not as it was a swine to get all mounted and configured and not leaking!

Thanks again
53
Members' Cars / Re: 1989 LHD Special GTI 8v
Have done more testing this afternoon and if I plug in my spare pump motor to the bottom pump it not only runs on prime but then runs on after as well and for half a second longer after ignition is off.

This sounds and looks to be the way it should work and the current pump motor is not acting in the same way.

So fingers crossed it might be the main pump motor. Hopefully arrives this week and I can fit it and test further.

Anyone know if I’ll loose a lot of fuel when I swap them over?

Cheers all!
54
Members' Cars / Re: 1989 LHD Special GTI 8v
Quote from: AndyBa on
Problem I have when I drive an LHD is I keep thumping the door with my left hand trying to change gear for the first few drives. In recent years I've not had that problem because we've taken our tourer caravan to France behind our Octy Scout.
That's a nice Golf you have even if the steering wheel is in the wrong place...However I bet its easier to fit MK3 aircon into it 'cos the bulkhead will be the right shape unlike RHD models!

Never thought of that to be honest. I've heard that braking is better/more direct but not sure if that's a myth! Aircon would be lovely....that and electric windows rather than keep fit ones. Especially in the car parks when you've got to do that graceful lean across the passenger seat to grab a ticket/pay in a machine! :)
55
Members' Cars / Re: 1989 LHD Special GTI 8v
Quote from: pfnsht on
Oh wow nice progress! Re non start have you got fuel coming through? I've had the underbody fuel pump seize from lack of use. Other wise check spark/distributor for corrosion. 

Thanks for that - paintwork is not great and there's still lots to do and things I'm not happy with, but I don't want him to be a garage queen, I'd rather a bit rough but smart enough to use on a daily basis....that's the plan anyway!

 It could be exactly that to be honest - lack of use. I re-built the bottom pump last year or so (possibly 18 months) but I've only started him once every month or so in that time, he's not driven anywhere. The same for the tank pump.

I can hear the tank pump prime, but if I pull the plug on the top tank, I don't hear the bottom one prime - can't really hear it at all? I've removed the plug to the bottom tank and with a multimeter it's getting the right voltages and the right times... but he still won;t start.

I've replaced the sparks, the ign amp (I had new sparks anyway and a spare ign amp) and I do get spark, so I "think" that rules out ECU and relays.

I've bought a cheap new replacement bottom pump though to put in the housing when it arrives later in the week.
56
Members' Cars / Re: 1989 LHD Special GTI 8v


still LOADS of work to do - and presently he won't start and I can't figure it out :(

Arch trims to go back on, door trim too but in a much better state that a few years back!

57
Members' Cars / Re: 1989 LHD Special GTI 8v
Thanks guys - That's an old photo now. Back panel replaced, rear arches done, new wings, interior all in, correct wheels.... Actually - easier with a photo!

59
Members' Cars / 1989 LHD Special GTI 8v
Hello everyone!

On Monkey's recommendation, I thought I'd post some images of my project so far.

Car was bought blind via eBay in about 2014/2015. I had always wanted a LHD car, to me they seem more "natural" - Just seems in my odd head to make more sense driving on that side and with the layout in that manner. I've had quite a few MK2 Golf's over the years - This would be my fifth I think.

I had the car delivered but due to an unexpected medical issue - I was in hospital for a few days before and after the delivery so it was a real shock to meet the car when I eventually got home.

He's a GTI Special but is UK registered (and assigned an F plate) Specials do seem  "uncommon"  and had some nice features from new. I'm not a Special expert, but it's a similar spec to One in a Million.

Tinted glass
Black headlining
Central locking
Power steering
BBS RA's
Rainbow interior
Diming headlining light (also colour coded)

Looks quite presentable in the eBay auction photos - But that hid a lot of sins. All the standard places (arches, battery tray, airbox tray, wings etc...) but also the back panel. This had been slapped on with a good 6mm of filler and repainted. There was no saving that, or the boot. Both utterly rotten.

I'll add some pictures from my phone/PC etc as I can.
60
New Members Say Hi! / Re: Old member re-registered!
Thanks Monkey - Yes, sadly it probably would be! New (to me) layout looks great though, and renders well on different devices too - a very welcome improvement!

Will stick up some images....

Thanks again