1.8T 150bhp engine down on power?
Discussion
Hello all. Just purchased a MK4 Golf with 1.8T engine. 2001 with 95K miles - but in very good condition and FSH. Couple of questions.
The car doesn't exactly feel quick - it's not desperately slow but never having driven one before I'm not sure what to expect - is the performance blunted by the weight of the MK4? The engine is not obviously burning oil and the turbo 'whistle' is present...that's about the limit of my technical nous on modern engines. Any suggestions?
I have also have been reading some scare stories about premature oil pump failure on this engine - with disastrous consequences.....any opinions / recommendations to avoid this happening?
Thanks
The car doesn't exactly feel quick - it's not desperately slow but never having driven one before I'm not sure what to expect - is the performance blunted by the weight of the MK4? The engine is not obviously burning oil and the turbo 'whistle' is present...that's about the limit of my technical nous on modern engines. Any suggestions?
I have also have been reading some scare stories about premature oil pump failure on this engine - with disastrous consequences.....any opinions / recommendations to avoid this happening?
Thanks
Never heard of oil pump probs. The only thing I know to check if performance feels flat is the air mass meter (or air flow meter). These do play up on 1.8T engines. You can disconnect the electric wire on it (you should spot it if you look along the inlet tract), the car should run and if it feels perkier then this is probably the problem. If removing the connection makes no difference then look elsewhere.
BTW, that model of Golf GIT is no firebreather. I drove an A3 1.8T and it felt much perkier for some reason. My A6 1.8T felt as nippy as the Golf 1.8T.
BTW, that model of Golf GIT is no firebreather. I drove an A3 1.8T and it felt much perkier for some reason. My A6 1.8T felt as nippy as the Golf 1.8T.
Unplug the MAF and run the car briefly.
If it feels no different to when its connected then the MAF is gone and needs replacing.
The MAF is found at the back of the engine bay between the airbox and throttle body housing.
Of course, it could be something else but MAF is an easy DIY check.
If it feels no different to when its connected then the MAF is gone and needs replacing.
The MAF is found at the back of the engine bay between the airbox and throttle body housing.
Of course, it could be something else but MAF is an easy DIY check.
Vee said:
if it feels perkier then this is probably the problem. If removing the connection makes no difference then look elsewhere.
Not quite - the opposite in fact.
If removing makes no difference then the MAF is not doing anything and is therefore faulty.
Get your local garage to check the 'air mass meter'.
This dictates the ammount of air getting into your engine.
Had a Golf GT TDI where the air mass meter constantly broke, leaving the power in serious decline. VW refused to say there was anything wrong, but a VW specialist garage knew straight away what the problem was when the symptoms were explained.
Simple job, meter replaced, car worked perfectly after that.
itsmymumscar said:
if it feels perkier then this is probably the problem. If removing the connection makes no difference then look elsewhere.
Not quite - the opposite in fact.
If removing makes no difference then the MAF is not doing anything and is therefore faulty.
Get your local garage to check the 'air mass meter'.
This dictates the ammount of air getting into your engine.
Had a Golf GT TDI where the air mass meter constantly broke, leaving the power in serious decline. VW refused to say there was anything wrong, but a VW specialist garage knew straight away what the problem was when the symptoms were explained.
Simple job, meter replaced, car worked perfectly after that.
often caused by using a inferior aftermarket air filter
Get it chipped mate
I had a 51 plate A3 sport with the 150 bhp 1.8T motor as a company car a few years back. IMHO the car always felt 'flat' and never really seemed to deliver the goods. Against the clock you will find that the performance is actually OK, but the flat tourque curve makes the car feel a bit dull and not very involving. Dare I say it, mine had the feeling a bit like my current TDI.. effective but dull
I had a 51 plate A3 sport with the 150 bhp 1.8T motor as a company car a few years back. IMHO the car always felt 'flat' and never really seemed to deliver the goods. Against the clock you will find that the performance is actually OK, but the flat tourque curve makes the car feel a bit dull and not very involving. Dare I say it, mine had the feeling a bit like my current TDI.. effective but dull
mojocvh said:
if it feels perkier then this is probably the problem. If removing the connection makes no difference then look elsewhere.
Not quite - the opposite in fact.
If removing makes no difference then the MAF is not doing anything and is therefore faulty.
Get your local garage to check the 'air mass meter'.
This dictates the ammount of air getting into your engine.
Had a Golf GT TDI where the air mass meter constantly broke, leaving the power in serious decline. VW refused to say there was anything wrong, but a VW specialist garage knew straight away what the problem was when the symptoms were explained.
Simple job, meter replaced, car worked perfectly after that.
often caused by using a inferior aftermarket air filter
No inferior aftermarket filter involved, VW stock.
hi m8 i own a 1.8turbo mk4 and i visited my local revo centre who gave me a 5 hour free trial of there remap software and on those grounds i bought it for 400+vat this may seem expensive but you get 5mpg more on average and i rekon it takes 1-2 seconds off the 0-60 time its as fast as a cupra r and midrange is un real i would definately recommend it. the car is easier to drive with all the torque and the engine can handle it no probems
hi m8 i own a 1.8turbo mk4 and i visited my local revo centre who gave me a 5 hour free trial of there remap software and on those grounds i bought it for 400+vat this may seem expensive but you get 5mpg more on average and i rekon it takes 1-2 seconds off the 0-60 time its as fast as a cupra r and midrange is un real i would definately recommend it. the car is easier to drive with all the torque and the engine can handle it no probems
I ran a 1.8T on a W reg for 2 years from brand new, clocking up 80,000. I always felt it had alot more to offer under the bonnet.
However, I would sort out the suspension before sticking any more power through the front wheels. It always had way too much body roll for my liking.
Fantastic car though, beautifully built and 100% reliable.
However, I would sort out the suspension before sticking any more power through the front wheels. It always had way too much body roll for my liking.
Fantastic car though, beautifully built and 100% reliable.
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