I've got a 79 vw rabbit, manual. I was driving it over a mountain pass, I was in 4th gear and it made some weird loud noise so I tossed it in neutral and drifted into a pull out. By the time I parked it was stalled out but I'm not sure if that happened at the noise or not. I tried to start it back up, but it starts up for a few seconds then dwindles off like it's not getting fuel. There's diesel in the tank and I just replaced the filter recently. I also resealed the IP at the beginning of the summer, been driving all summer fine. Since I didn't know what else to do I checked the IP timing to see if it could have shifted. I set it at Top Dead Center, set the gauge at 2.5 then went to back up the engine till the dial stopped turning. The dial never stopped turning, it just changed directions. I'm pretty sure when I've set it in the past it fully stops. Also When I first start backing it up the dial moves forward, in the clockwise direction, where I'm almost positive in the past the dial moves backwards.

I don't think that this is a normal occurance, I was wondering if anyone could confirm this for me and maybe suggest what might be wrong and if it can be fixed. Thanks for taking a look.

Is there an issue with the fuel shutoff solenoid? Maybe its briefly allowing fuel in, then shutting back off. I believe it needs 12v to stay open and allow fuel into the IP. Usual it opens when the key is turned. Maybe ignition is faulty, or solenoid itself is bad. Easy to test with jumper from batt.