Jay23Sx

Quick question now that the rain has stopped! If I disconnect the wiring for the ISV (located near the coil I think?) and the engine starts to run normally would that indicate the ISV is at fault? And likewise if disconnecting it does nothing should I discount that as my fault or still look at cleaning/replacing it anyways?

I've just been reading up on cleaning the ISV. I will check that.

I haven't set it since the mechanic fitted the unit yesterday. Don't think I've got anything here suitable for altering the mixture but I can solve that one quite easily. When the car originally died I had the RAC out (thanks Barclays) and they tested for leaks using a can of .. something. There was a small split but it didn't seem to be drawing anything in - it's been wrapped up in tape just in case though.

After listening to this again it does sound like I may have a Vacuum issue - although when the problem first developed no one could find a leak. You might be able to hear an ... airy, sucky, strange noise .. or maybe not .. while you watch this.

Hello Everyone, Well a little update for you. My 1.8 valver now has a new fuel distributor courtesy of Shaun. My mechanic fitted it yesterday while I was in Edinburgh and didn't even find out until this morning Popped outside as soon as I got home and although the replacement part means my car now starts (it had died completely after his last visit) I'm back to square one with the engine failing to idle properly. It'll tick over, with difficulty, but as soon as you increase the rev's it'll die as soon as you release the throttle. I'm going to add a video clip to illustrate what I mean and give you an idea of what it sounds like. In the mean time check out this idle adjust screw - strikes me as being to far out? I tried adjusting it (a little) and it just made the car cut out sooner!

I'm due to do all of this on my 1.8 valver over the next few days. It died completely a couple of weeks ago due to a faulty distribution unit. Luckily I got a replacement from Shaun and it was fitted yesterday. The car now runs but it's a bit rough - shame really as it had a faultless idle before hand. As it has been standing for a few weeks I'll do all the ISV checks and I'll also play with the idle as the mechanic had played with all that before diagnoing the problem. Symptoms: Starts up and revs quite high before dropping down fairly low and sounds very grumbly - almost at the point of stalling (but it keeps itself ticking just about). I may even make a recording of it tonight :)

Hmmm .. I didn't realise that this part was still available from the mail dealer. Apparently it's £420 (so it's a no really for me) and it would have to come directly from Germany. Perhaps it's of interest to someone else in my situation with more money:)

Then the one that I've got hold of, which is not what I need, came from a 9A then. That's what happens when you buy the first bargain you find because you're desperate :) I must admitt I only paid £40 for it and it wasn't refurbished that long ago so I'm sure I'll find a home without making a loss.

Hi Everybody, Anyone able to tell me the correct part number for the metering head on a 1.8 16V ? Unfortunately I'm at work so can't look at mine and need to know sooner rather than later. I got hold of one the other day which I was told was correct but upon inspection it has to many outlets - maybe it's from a 2.0 if anyone needs one ? I'll get the part number from that later and post. Cheers.

Faith is fading :) Today was one of those days when you think - I could almost cry. Bit extreme, but I had my hopes set on enjoying this car after passing my test - after all that's why I got on and took it. Spent the day at work wondering how the mechanic was getting on only to be told that he decided it was all to complicated for him and it really needed to go to a specialist. Fair enough, found one in Cranleigh that's all lined up ready. Had a quick look under the bonet and it appears, from the marks left behind, that he did pretty much the same thing as the RAC man - check for leaks in the vacuum system etc. The bit which I felt was very unfair came next .. she came back from her day with a mechanic and now won't start at all. I mean, how can a mechanic make things worse?! It's all a bit much I think .. Anyway, I've been told my mum's other half has purchased a Scirocco 1.8 16V for me to use as spares. At this rate, if it runs, I'll just drive that.

I'm West Sussex, not far from Gatwick, got a good main dealer if I had the spare money but it's in the hands of my friendly local mechanic who has so far been able to solve the more minor issues on the Corrado without a problem. This time round he can't pick it up till Wednesday so I'm just playing a waiting game.

Hmmm .. anyone know if running the car on 95RON standard unleaded instead of super would cause idling issues like this? I'm not sure what members of my family have put in it to be honest and I've just red the engine specs on the CCGB site stating that it can't be run on 95 without modifications (like a K-Star injection/timing kit).

The RAC man checked both of those .. or said he did anyways.

Quick update for everyone .. she's off the road after driving for just 3 days. Began to stutter yesterday just a mile from home - limped back just about but only by keeping the revs up. Had the RAC around today as I can't get hold of my mechanic but it just won't idle properly and keeps cutting out. He's discounted a leak in the vacuum system but thinks the mixture is wrong - if you adjust the idle point it'll keep pulling itself back from the point of stalling but the mix is very rich. Will hand over to the mechanic tomorrow but I'm back on the train after only a few days :(

Well I've just had the RAC out to mine as I can't get hold of my mechanic and the car just won't idle (cuts out just after starting). He discounted any leaks in the vacuum system as it wasn't drawing anything in. His final comment before leaving was "I can't do anything more as we don't have the right equipment. Tell your mechanic the engine is hunting - possibly a mixture problem as it seems to be very rich". Oh well, I'm back on the train only a few days after passing my test!

Sounds just like the power steering belt - mind did the same when I picked her up. The belt the local VW garage sent me didn't fit so I was able to tighten up the old one a little. No screeching and I get some power steering now.

I don't think I'd mind dodgey idling as long as it didn't cut out right after starting :)

Hmmmm I'll have to check this on mine - half way home today (well most of the way home) it decided to stall on me when I stopped at a junction. Now cuts out straight away unless I keep my foot on the gas (and even then the engine speed keeps dipping). Limped home just about. I did wonder if something got wet as its tipping it down but I didn't go through any big puddles and gave the important things a squirt of WD40 when I got home. Still does it, will try again in an hour or so and also look for any cracked pipes.

Looking very nice - love it in black. I have to say I don't mind mine in red but I didn't have much choice, I saw it in Auto Trader and had to buy it even though I couldn't drive at the time. Know what you mean about gremlins, only been driving her for 3 days (and relatively sedately considering I've just passed) and today she decides (about a mile from home) that she won't idle but cuts out at low revs. Had to limp home doing kangaroo impressions.

I'm certainly looking forward to it :)

Just to let everyone know I passed my test yesterday (first time) so I'm now driving the old girl around. As good as I was expecting (so far) and I'm looking forward to spending more time with her !

I like the wheels now, but I wasn't so sure when I got the car. In fact I can't find any others that I like as much. Unfortunately they really are in a state, by the looks of them they've been painted at some point which is now bubbling. Would the survive another reconditioning?

It just looks like a Volvo .. are you sure it's not the C30 in disguise?

Right then ... took the Corrado for a blast down to Littlehampton this weekend (hello to whoever was in the green one on the way back - I've only got a 16V so couldn't keep up!) to dust off the cobwebs. Had the camera on me so took a couple of snaps - this one worked out the best from Saturday ... And on Sunday the new ignition leads (dubpower), spark plugs and oil change was completed. Before it got put away again for the night another quick snap was taken. Personally I don't think she's done that bad for an early model that's not had much work done in 18 years.

Right, I've compiled a full list of what Iv'e done since I've had this car and recalculated the figures: Car £700 4 x Tyres, Tracking Rods, Suspension Drop Pins & Ball Joints £220 2 x Coolant Hoses & Clips (VW Originals) £15 Expansion tank £10 2 x Rear Wheel Bearings & PAS Belt £80 (VW parts & fitting)