Running Rough...

OK, I'm at my last nerve with this car!

1997 VW Golf K2 1.8l 5spd.

Having Gas mileage issues, like only 200 kms a tank. Back fires a lot in the morning. Misfires mostly when cold, but occurs when warm as well. Hard time starting in the mornings, sometimes 2-3 trys. Really bad smell of unburnt fuel all the time. Bad hesitation.

I've changed the TB to Intake Manifold gasket. Changed the Coolant Temperature Sensor. Changed the Plugs.

What's my next step without causing me a small fortune.

Wires, Cap, Rotor and fuel filter are about a year and a half old. Car has gutted cat (from previous owner). Has 227,xxx kms.

Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Thanks,

Steve Cornick

Reply to
VW Golf Cart
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Since you've replaced the coolant temperature sensor, disconnect the O2 sensor (follow the wiring from the exhaust manifold or catalytic convertor) and start the car. Does it run smoother? If so, replace the sensor and have a VW shop set the ignition timing and exhaust gases.

Darryl.

Reply to
Darryl

I would agree, check the Lambda sensor, you may not have a cat anymore, but the lambda sensor still checks your fuel mixture is correct.

You may also want to get the coils(s) checked and the cambelt checked, it is very common to have a cambelt badly fitted, just one notch out can cause backfires etc... - I have known people get rid of seemingly knackered cars only to find out it was nothing.

the only other device I can think of that effects timing is the crankshaft sensor....

Andy

Reply to
Nik&Andy

A 1.8? Not too familiar with those engines since we didn't get those in US A3 VWs but IIRC those engines retained some form of Digifant injection (similar to the A2s), no? If so, check/replace the fuel pressure regulator on the end of the fuel rail. If the FPR is bad it allows too much fuel into the engine.

Reply to
Matt B.

New O2 Sensor. But will try to eliminate faulty O2 Sensor. Thanks, Steve

Reply to
VW Golf Cart

Figured it out. Was a collapsed vacuum hose. Replaced it and now almost back to normal. Oil change, Fuel Filter Change and Wires next!!

Getting ready for the winter!

Steve

Reply to
VW Golf Cart

I am concerned about the amount of wheel noise coming from my 91 passat wagon. What are the symptoms of wheel bearing failure?

If the bearing are gone I would like to replace them soon before it gets too cold.

Ron Hoppe Ottawa, Canada

91 VW Passat 87 924S Porsche 69 Rover 3500S
Reply to
ronh

For me it sounded like I was driving with really rough tread snow tires. It occurred right after getting tires changed form me. Aluminum wheels were hard to remove from the hubs. Rather than using a wheel puller, the tire installer used pry bar and hammer.

Can you trace the sound to one or more wheels? Rear would be easier than the front.

Reply to
Tom's VR6

AFAIK They make a roaring/rumbling sound while the vehicle is in motion and usually sounds louder the faster you go.

Front wheel bearings can be isolated by turning left or right while you are driving and you hear the noise. If you turn left and the noise disappears/lessens then it is the left front wheel bearing. Same applies if you turn right = right front wheel bearing. I have seen both bad sometimes so the noise never left. lol

Rears can be determined if you lift up the vehicle and spin the wheel. You may have to remove brake pads to eliminate that as a source of the noise.

Tires and the transmission can make noise too!

later, dave Reminder........ Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you are a mile away from them, and you have their shoes. Frieda Norris

Reply to
dave

LOL, still bad, even worse. Got a mechanic at my school to look at it today. Said to buy Cap and rotor and bring it back to him tomorrow and he'll look at it for me.

We'll see tomorrow.

Steve

Reply to
VW Golf Cart

Has happened twice on my A2 and it sounded like a "rrrrrrrrrrrr" that was entirely speed dependent. Had nothing to do with engine speed or in gear vs. neutral. I even rotated my tires to see if the noise "moved" to the other end of the car and it didn't so that's what I decided it was the wheel bearing.

Reply to
Matt B.

Now he's narrowed it down to the O2 Sensor. I have the 1 wire on there, needs the 3 wire. More money to spend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Steve

Reply to
VW Golf Cart

It sounds like this is the first time this car ever got any replacement parts...

LOL!!!!!

Reply to
Peter Parker

When I said replace the sensor, I meant for you to replace it with the correct sensor. ;-) Does anyone know if the cheap Bosch 13913 sensor fits A3s (it works mint in my '89)?

Darryl.

Reply to
Darryl

NO

Reply to
Peter Parker

Sounds like your "mechanic" is guessing. Your 97 VW should throw a DTC (engine check light on) if your 02 sensors, and you have 2 sensors IIRC, were bad.

Did you have your car scanned for DTCs? I have seen a bad fuel injector not throw a DTC on a 96 Jetta though. But his engine was bad and then the car was stolen, strange since it was not fully insured, just liability.

Yes you need to use the correct parts for your car. 8^o Now are you saying that you bought the car and it had a one-wire 02 sensor on it? Oh & BTW guessing is really really expensive!! JMHO later, dave Reminder........ Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you are a mile away from them, and you have their shoes. Frieda Norris

Reply to
dave

If your bearings need replace, sugest while your at it....check the ball joints as if they haven't been replaced you should replaced them. If theres any play in them replace them, else you might have a slight wheel coming off the control arm problem.

Reply to
blah

Getting the cambelt a tooth out will over time burn out the valve seats - I've had this happen! I would get the car connected to a Bosche diagnostic engine tester at a specialist tuners. In the long run it will save you money and frustration. Disconnecting the coolant sensor will require the ECU to be recalibrated.

--Steve

Reply to
Phatman

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