1989 volkswagen cabriolet you are having a problem with starting and when it does start it idle's rough you are getting fuel and have spark and only starts when car cools off?

Answer 1

Most likely you have a leaking fuel accumulator. The accumulator stores fuel pressure for the CIS (fuel injection) and is a critical part for proper running. Park the car on concrete, rev the car several times and hold at about 3000RPM for a few seconds. Shut the car off. Look under the car on the passenger side approximately under where the passenger seat is located. You will see what looks like an old ignition coil (army drab green color) with two metal lines attached to it that is the fuel accumulator. Check under the car and around the accumulator for any gasoline. If you find gasoline under or on the accumulator, the accumulator must be replaced for proper running of the car. Be sure to also check all vacuum lines on the engine especially the rubber "T" which has several larger lines coming from it going to the engine and system. The T tends to break down and leak air which messes up the injection system. When the T breaks down, it looks fine but has become gooey so you will need to actually touch it and move it to make sure it has not deteriorated to the point of leaking. With the engine running (don't put your hands in any moving parts!) move and bend all the vacuum hoses and if the engine stalls or increases speed, that hose must also be replaced as it is leaking air or is not making a good seal at the fittings.