VWDiesel.net The IDI, TDI, and mTDI source.

General Information => Troubleshooting => Topic started by: DubAllStar on January 19, 2006, 10:14:00 am

Title: Fuel Shut-Off Solenoid
Post by: DubAllStar on January 19, 2006, 10:14:00 am
So, new to the AAZ engine, and new to this board. Seems like a great place from all the browsing i've been doing over the past few months.

I've got a 1993 Golf, it works, looks, and drives fantastic! My problems begin when i try to shut it off tho! My shut-off solenoid is sticking open.

Does anybody know a way to lubricate or repair it? What about replacement, is it a DIY type thing? Tools Required?

Any help would be appreciated.

BTW i'll post some pics of my cars, i'm a dub-a-holic :D

Kyle
Title: Fuel Shut-Off Solenoid
Post by: Justin on January 19, 2006, 07:11:12 pm
I am not sure if it can be repaired, but all you need to do to fix it by replacement is to use a wrench large enough to loosen it and then take it out and replace it, usually when they go bad they stay closed. pull it out and see if its just seized up in it, if it is then loosen it and apply power to it (dont forget to ground it) and then see if the electromagnet will pull on the little plunger, if it does then reinstall it

later
Justin
Title: Fuel Shut-Off Solenoid
Post by: DubAllStar on January 19, 2006, 07:52:15 pm
This one sticks open.... if i give it a bit of throttle after removing the key from the ignition, it seems to create enough vacuum to pull the plunger shut. I'll disassemble it and see how i make out. Thanks for the replacement instructions!
Title: Fuel Shut-Off Solenoid
Post by: prysm on July 02, 2006, 07:46:27 am
Hi

This is somewhat related.

Do you guys regularly replace the solenoid? Every 5yrs or something.

Poeple seems to just wait unitl it breaks down. This is a bit unsettling if
incase it breaks down in the middle of the highway or something.

thanks
,prysm
Title: Fuel Shut-Off Solenoid
Post by: QuickTD on July 02, 2006, 09:10:51 am
Pull the wire off the solenoid to make sure it isn't being kept open by some parasitic current or a bad ignition switch. A bad alternator can backfeed the ignition circuit and keep the engine running. I've never seen one stick open.

Quote
Do you guys regularly replace the solenoid? Every 5yrs or something.


I once had a costly engine failure, now I replace my engine every year to avoid costly engine failure. :D
Title: Fuel Shut-Off Solenoid
Post by: jtanguay on July 02, 2006, 09:06:43 pm
costly engine failure from a bad solenoid? what happened exactly?
Title: Fuel Shut-Off Solenoid
Post by: QuickTD on July 02, 2006, 10:59:48 pm
Read that last bit again, and note the smiley, I was being a smart ass. What I meant was, it's a little silly to replace parts to avoid a failure when the repair costs the same whether you replace it now, or when it fails. As I said above, it's like replacing an engine to avoid an engine failure.

 I've actually bailed myself out of a complete electrical failure once (alternator crapped out) by unscrewing the fuel cutoff solenoid and removing the plunger and spring. I then re installed the solenoid and got a boost from a kind stranger. With good use of hand signals, some proper, some obscene, I was able to navigate from near Barrie ontario home to near London, about 300km. Electrics? We don't need no stinking electrics! I wouldn't attempt such a thing in the dark though...

 So there you have it, it is possible to recover from a fuel cutoff solenoid failure with minimal tools and some creativity...
Title: Fuel Shut-Off Solenoid
Post by: prysm on July 03, 2006, 01:24:41 am
I guess that answers my question :)

I was actually asking because I recently had a break down and the engine
stopped when I driving over an over pass/fly over. I had dis-assemble
he injector pipes in order to get to the solenoid.

I dont like getting towed because they ask too much money and they
sometimes cause more damage during the tow.

,prysm
Title: Fuel Shut-Off Solenoid
Post by: prysm on July 03, 2006, 01:26:23 am
I guess that answers my question :)

I was actually asking because I recently had a break down and the engine
stopped when I driving over an over pass/fly over. I had dis-assemble
he injector pipes in order to get to the solenoid.

I dont like getting towed because they ask too much money and they
sometimes cause more damage during the tow.

,prysm