Author Topic: 1985 VW Jetta - Wont' Start - Lots of White Smoke (Read 4787 times)

jonz · « **on:** June 06, 2008, 06:38:56 am »

My 1985 VM Jetta TD wouldn't start this morning.... It cranks over nice and fast, but never fires. I get lots of white smoke from the exhaust, but it never fires.

Last night i tightened the alternator belt, then drove it around for about 20 minutes. I even turned it off twice and restarted it, and all was well.

Any thoughts?

jimfoo · « **Reply #1 on:** June 06, 2008, 07:25:16 am »

Glowplugs or lack of power to them are what I'd check first. Timing second. If you have an AAZ, I'd check for crank pulley wear.

jonz · « **Reply #2 on:** June 06, 2008, 08:17:42 am »

I am at work currently, so i am not able to check right now... I will check them as soon as i get home.

With temps in the mid 50s do you think that a lack of glow plugs would make it not start? What confuses me is that it ran last night after i tightened up the belts, but it wouldn't start this morning. The white smoke leads me to believe that it is getting fuel... But as for why it is not igniting....

Thanks for the reply =)

jimfoo · « **Reply #3 on:** June 06, 2008, 09:37:07 am »

Quote from: "jonz"

I am at work currently, so i am not able to check right now... I will check them as soon as i get home.

With temps in the mid 50s do you think that a lack of glow plugs would make it not start?

If it has quite a few miles on it and compression may not be optimal, then yes.l.;

Op-Ivy · « **Reply #4 on:** June 06, 2008, 10:15:51 am »

I agree with Jim. Check your glowplug fuse. It's usually located on the driver's side of the engine compartment on the firewall.

jonz · « **Reply #5 on:** June 06, 2008, 10:22:46 am »

Thanks for the replies!! I will post back tonight after i have a chance to check.

Dakotakid · « **Reply #6 on:** June 06, 2008, 12:58:46 pm »

85 and later has glow plug fuse on inside of cab and is annoying to get to. It is up there at the top of the fuse box, in that area. If it is the same as n/a engine models, that is.

jonz · « **Reply #7 on:** June 06, 2008, 03:18:31 pm »

Chalk one up for the experts at VW Diesel!!!

I poked my head under the hood and found the 50a fuse for the glow plugs... Damn if it wasn't burnt in half. Searched around town, and actually found a shop that had some on hand!! Replaced it and BAM first crank she fired right up!!!

Thanks a ton!!!