1988 Gti Golf Loses Power

[garyurunlimited]

My wife has an '88 16 valve GTI Golf. Loves it.

For the past year or so it has begun to intermittently lose power
while driving. Seems to happen oN the freeway more than in town.

The only way to restore full power is to turn off the ignition and then
restart the car ... even if moving.

I've replaced the main computer with a used one from Pick-n-Pull. No
change. Has good plugs and recent wires.

Have any thoughts?

Thanks & Be Well,
Gary:

[Barroni]

Are you sure it’s a problem with the electrics? Could it not be Fuel supply?
I had a similar problem on an Astra due to iffy fuel pump.

[garyurunlimited]

Hi and thanks for answering,

Sure it could be the electrics, but you can only trace that when it malfunctions,
and that's when you're driving. I'd have to get it to a mechanic or the dealership to check for an error with a computer.

I have thought about the fuel pump also. My experience is that fuel pumps either work or they don't. "Iffy" ... do you think a fuel pump can give "partial and intermittent service"?

Be Well,
Gary

[riestat2]

hi i have an 88 gti 16 valve.
i have just had the head gasket done and the belt and belt tensioner and i am having simarlar problems with it. When it gets hot, idling in traffic or town driving the engine jumps and cuts out. I looked at the distributer cap and there is a seal gone on there as there is engine oil getting in. The electrics on it are a bit of a nightmare as well. I cleaned the carb as i have been told that they do build up alot of carbon but it doesnt seem to have done much. Any clues?