Opinion please - continue to try to fix or walk away
- Thread starter Hades
- Start date
Nope. I had the ECU replaced in case it was that (used part which they recoded so a fraction of the new cost). But it wasn't that. So I'm going to get the car back to mine and then sell it as a non runner. It's a real shame because it's otherwise a very, very good car. I'm in no rush now so I may also consider having a look at it myself when it's here. It's either something catastrophic such as a timing chain issue (very common on this engine) or something minor like a faulty sensor that isn't returning any fault codes. I'd have assumed a timing chain issue if it weren't for the fact the garage have checked this several times and are adamant it's not. It has compression, fuel and spark but appears to be over fuelling for no obvious reason. I briefly discussed with a VW main dealer but they just suggested the same checks as the current garage had already done so I'd spend a lot of money there with probably a low chance of them finding anything different.
I think it would be cost effective, because the rest of the car is good and has many new parts, to get a replacement reconditioned engine, loom and all sensors. But there reaches a point where it's sometimes better to just move on and sell it to someone who could probably do that themselves a lot cheaper.
Maybe it's something to potter around with through the next few months before selling it. I'm certainly no serious mechanic but equally I am capable enough to swap sensors, etc. So I'll also consider that.
Anyway, long story short is that I'm not prepared to spend a lot more time and money on it so I think I'll move it on, with full disclosure, and consider which car to get next. It's only a car and, while the money is a bit of a kick in the nuts, it's not the end of the world.
Does it just turn over normally but not start? It has to be a sensor, surely? Especially with a replacement ECU?
If the engine itself has been confirmed as healthy then unless I'm missing something, surely there can't be anything prohibitively expensive left to check/swap?
Is it a manual or auto?
If the engine itself has been confirmed as healthy then unless I'm missing something, surely there can't be anything prohibitively expensive left to check/swap?
Is it a manual or auto?
Caporegime
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My guess is the chain is stretched and only shows signs when up to temp. Throws the cam sensors off on a wobbly. I would be checking the chain tensioner and see if it is within specs. It is almost as if the garage has just thrown money at easy fixes instead of doing the major one like checking chain for stretch. All sensors can be checked with a bolt/ohm meter and a workshop manual.
I did a chain on a Nissan Primera and it was only about 15mm stretched across the whole lot but was enough to throw the cam sensors off.
I did a chain on a Nissan Primera and it was only about 15mm stretched across the whole lot but was enough to throw the cam sensors off.
Thanks again. Yes fuel pump in the tank has been checked. Yes the ECU was clutching at straws (they said so before we did it). I am also of the opinion it could be something related to chain or tensioner, but again that's been checked by two different people. Also surely that would throw up a fault on the cam sensor?
I thnk before putting it on ebay I may as well have a try at diagnosing it myself at home. I have a large garage to leave it in while I do. As I said 'm not a mechanic but I can't exactly make it any worse
I thnk before putting it on ebay I may as well have a try at diagnosing it myself at home. I have a large garage to leave it in while I do. As I said 'm not a mechanic but I can't exactly make it any worse
Definitely. Unless there is visible water ingress or something - it's a garages way of saying "we don't have a clue".
It's a shame you didn't get to the bottom of this
Yes, I knew it was a last throw of the dice which is why I tried a used one as I didn't have a high expectation it would fix it. I'd also love to know what it is, even just to satisfy my curiosity.
My guess would be that the original high pressure pump failure has caused chaos by scattering bits of metal shavings all around the fuel system. I’m not familiar with that engine, but if it has a return system, you’ll need to drain and clean the tank, pipes, lines, filters etc. (again)
I thought a final update to this thread was in order. I did decide to cut my losses and sell the car, I had discussed options and costs at length with the garage and also discussed more briefly with a VW dealer. Initially I was frustrated enough to book it into WBAC. But a couple of hours before it was due to be taken there I just couldn't let myself sell it at such a low price. So I put it on ebay instead which was, err, was quite "entertaining" to say the least (dozens of messages within minutes asking for a "best" price).
In the end I sold it for more than twice what WBAC had initially offered (and they no doubt would have low balled even further if I had actually taken it to them). So in the end I did take a financial hit and it is sad to see the family car go. But on the other hand I got an OK price for it, considering it was a non runner at that point, and I can move on with my life and look at what to get next.
Thanks for any advice and opinions given during the thread.
In the end I sold it for more than twice what WBAC had initially offered (and they no doubt would have low balled even further if I had actually taken it to them). So in the end I did take a financial hit and it is sad to see the family car go. But on the other hand I got an OK price for it, considering it was a non runner at that point, and I can move on with my life and look at what to get next.
Thanks for any advice and opinions given during the thread.
it will be interesting to know if he gets to the bottom of the issue!
That is the most annoying thing. I'll never know what the problem was. Ultimately it was cheap enough for the trader to spend time and money swapping everything until they find the fix. So they still got a bargain.
Just waiting on the I bought a car and it doesn't run properly when up to temp thread now
lol
For me the only option is Option 3 but trade in at a garage if you can. They very rarely check trade ins beyond a quick pop round the block and focus on exterior and interior condition, so unless it’s a total non-runner then take this route or WeBuyAnyCar type places and keep your Karma.
If you have a good credit history look into personal leasing, there are some amazing deals out there. I’ve used Select Contracts and Rivervale before and are both good.
Thanks. Appreciate the recommendation. But it's already with them!That's the guys I always use. I agree, I only take my cars there. If it were somewhere else then I would question their diagnostics but I know they are doing everything they can.
I can third that recommendation, but seriously with nothing to go on in terms of fault codes you will in all seriousness just be wasting money. If you insist on swapping out parts try salvage yards for write offs, paying even OEM VW parts is an expensive business. If it helps we just sold my partners VW Golf 2.0TDI DSG Match and just took the hit on it as it kept costing money.
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