Engine problems

[RDH 0]

Hi, I have a 1994 2.0 16v C, that has done 113k.

 

I have recently noticed white smoke coming out of the exhaust which immediately made me think the Head gasket was going, however I cannot detect any coolant loss, I have no water in the oil (that I can see) and temps seem ok.

 

The car is not running well, and the engine has developed a top end rattle which you notice at idle (which is very lumpy).

 

I have scanned for error codes and got-

 

00514 Crankshaft position sensor

00531 Mass air flow sensor reference voltage.

 

However I cleared these codes a week ago and they have not come back.

 

The exhaust fumes smell really strongly of presumably unburnt fuel. The car passed it's test 6 weeks ago without a single advisory (knew it was too good to be true)so emissions must have been ok then.

 

Any ideas?,or checks I can do?, I do suspect the head gasket, and am having it pressure tested at the weekend.

 

Any help appreciated.

 

Rich

[boost monkey 0]

Would it have, in any way, ingested some water recently?

[RDH 0]

Would it have, in any way, ingested some water recently?

 

Not that I can think of, it is a second car and not used that much, it is kept in a garage which is a bit damp.

 

Rich

[RDH 0]

Ok, been having a look around engine bay, and although it is probably not related to the running/smoking problem-I have discovered a connector that is not plugged in.

 

It comes from the bunch of wires below the dizzy, and is a single thick black wire, I can't find anywhere it should go. Any ideas??

 

Here are a couple (crap) pics.

 

2.8l 24v Climatronic system.pdfEng3 (Small).JPG[/attachment:2we5016n]

 

 

Eng4 (Small).JPG[/attachment:2we5016n]

 

Any help with this, and the poor running problem appreciated.

 

Rich

[boost monkey 0]

there should be a connector like that going to your distributor, is that one one properly?

[RDH 0]

Just had a look, the plug on the distributer is on, this "rogue" plug comes from the same bunch as the plug that is attached to the dizzy.

 

Cheers for reply.

 

Rich

[Toad 0]

Thermotime switch on the end of the head? Reverse light? Gearbox speed sensor?

[RDH 0]

Thermotime switch on the end of the head? Reverse light? Gearbox speed sensor?

 

Reverse lights work ok. Can't find a spare socket on the gearbox, where is the thermotime switch?, if either was not plugged in-what would be the effect?, the speedo works ok but the spoiler does not lift at speed (ok on button).

 

Thanks for replies guys, anyone any ideas about smoke/poor running.

 

TIA

 

Rich.

[Toad 0]

The thermotime switch is ont he end of the head, if that was broken/unplugged, then it could be running rich.

[RDH 0]

Thanks, will have a look/search for it.

 

Rich

[RDH 0]

Well head gasket has definately started to go so it looks like a top end rebuild, not too p*ssed off as I intend keeping the car long term, and accept bits will need doing. Will use this as an opportunity to replace water pump and all belts and sort a few minor oil leaks.

 

Rich

[boost monkey 0]

Good plan Rich, stay positive!

 

IIRC there's a 3-pin connector like that floating around which is the Diag port for VAG-Com?

 

My 16v is early and as such I plug it into my Etch-A-Sketch to diagnose faults.

[RDH 0]

Good plan Rich, stay positive!

 

IIRC there's a 3-pin connector like that floating around which is the Diag port for VAG-Com?

 

My 16v is early and as such I plug it into my Etch-A-Sketch to diagnose faults.

 

Cheers Fella. The guy who looked at it said the connector was for diagnostics. Will keep renewing bits as they wear/when I can, I am lucky as it is not my main mode of transport.

 

Rich