Okay... So I have been on vortex getting advice as well, and everyone thinks I need to change out my ground wires... here's the story.

Bought an 84 rabbit gti about 6 months ago, it ran for about 10 miles and basically died. That is what I expected really my intentions are to fix it up. Anyways, so I replaced fuel pump, fuel filter, plug wires, shift linkage, timing belt and tensioner, thermostat and thermostat switch... It started it from time to time during the process of installing everything. Well the last thing I installed was the fuel filter, and that is when after each subsequent turning over it got weaker and weaker until now, it wont even turn over, or crank... just clicks...

this leads me to now, I have just replaced the two + - terminal cables to the battery...

I have yet to replace the other grounds, because basically I am not sure how?

Hopefully thats it and that will start it up... if not, who knows...

Anyone have any ideas, tips, or visits to my house to help, etc etc??

Oh and its not the battery Ive had it charged up recently and tested its fine...

Thanks, Scott

 

One of the major grounds is the one attaching to one of the bolts that hold the tranny on to the block (top of the bellhousing closer to the front of the car). If that is disconnected, frayed, or damaged you won't even be able to get her to turn over.

One other thing I would try to do is put jumper wires on the starter. If it cranks you know the starter is good, and the search continues. If not, then you need a new one.

Are we sure the timing belts, and auxiliary belts are on properly (not too taught)? If the belts are too tight it could cause too much friction for the starter to function properly. Also along these lines check the clearance of the power steering pump pulley. This bastard can be a pain in the ass to line up properly, if not it will rub against the water pump pulley and also cause quite a bit of friction.

I would check up on these and then post back up with results. Good Luck.

 

Thanks I will check this stuff out as soon as I get a chance... I will post whatever I figure out or dont figure out.

 

So how is she?

 

another way to eliminate ground probs is to ground the block to the frame, then the tranny to the battery, then battery to the frame... and if you can find any brown grounds underneath the battery tray, ground those to the battery as well.