curious engine sound/problem

[toastworks@hotmail.com (Dave Novak)]

So, umm, err.. this 'friend' I have with a VW engine is hearing a concerning 
sound from his CIS-E engine.

The car has been difficult to start up for the last week. When cold, the 
engine dies after running for 3-4 seconds (regardless of how the gas pedal 
is pressed). This happens about 3 or 4 times, and then the engine manages to 
stay running.. roughly. If you try and persuade the engine to rev, it 
backfires and generally runs like shit.

If you wait five minutes, it's at least driveable. I made it from CT to RI 
to MA to NH and back to CT like this.

This morning, I hear a knocking sound from the engine. Thought it was the 
alternator, but the bearings are tight. Sounds like it's from under the 
alternator. It doesn't knock at idle, but as soon as you get it to alt least 
1500rpm, you can hear a scraping/knocking sound.

Is my intermediate shaft toast? Is this also why the car runs like crap when 
cold? Flaky distributor timing because of the intermediate shaft on the way 
out?

When the car is warm and running correctly, I observed the timing changing 
when the engine revs, so the Hall sender is working correctly, as my Bentley 
says..

I changed the fuel filter, too..

I have a problem, don't I?

-Dave
'88 Fox wagon
past '80-'84 Scirocco demolisher

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