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Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: bauer on 07 January 2011, 19:58

Title: gti 8v mpg problem
Post by: bauer on 07 January 2011, 19:58

ive had my car for about 4 years but recently due to unemployment (back unemployed again, damn recession) its been off the road for about 18 months, any 4 months ago i decided to get her mot'd and get her running again, all was fine except that i thought it used to be more economical than it seemed to be now (i put it down to petrol prices etc) but over the last month i have been calculating what i have been getting (myself not the false computer which always says around 28-31) and ive been getting between 15 - 18 to the gallon, i used to get about 25-35 if i remember correctly

does anyone know where to start with trying to find out whats causing her to gulp it down? cheers  :cool:

Title: Re: gti 8v mpg problem
Post by: thai-wronghorse on 07 January 2011, 20:23

as it's been off the road for a long time it'll probably benefit from a good service for starters. Check the brakes aren't binding slighty, tyre pressures.
Is the car running properly? does it warm up correctly?
Also bear in mind that it'll be less economical in this recent freezing weather.

Title: Re: gti 8v mpg problem
Post by: bauer on 07 January 2011, 20:37

thanks for your reply

yeah ill get it serviced, tyre pressures are fine, the breaks aint binding, if im honest with you it doesnt seem to be running right, i cant put my finger on what it is, the power (or lack of it :grin:) is about the same, although it feels like its higher up the revs when im just doing 70 on a motorway etc, seems louder? it is warming up ok

Title: Re: gti 8v mpg problem
Post by: bauer on 07 January 2011, 21:31

another thing ive noticed is it can be slightly juddery when accelerating quite hard??

Title: Re: gti 8v mpg problem
Post by: Seanl on 08 January 2011, 18:55

Possible MAF problem. That would explain the juddery acceleration and rough running, and it will be running rich if it's not detecting enough air flow so that would increase fuel consumption.

Title: Re: gti 8v mpg problem
Post by: Deano2711 on 08 January 2011, 19:03

Give it a good service, clean the throttle body and change the air filter. All reasonably cheap enough and easy enough to do.

Title: Re: gti 8v mpg problem
Post by: bauer on 11 January 2011, 11:11

cheers fella's. another thing i forgot to mention is sometimes it wont start first time, i have to turn her over 3 times.

and when idling it feels a bit rough, ill give her a service anway thanks lads

Title: Re: gti 8v mpg problem
Post by: Deano2711 on 11 January 2011, 11:32

Rough idling could be down to the dirty throttle body I suggested. Whip that off and give it a good clean and check the breaher hoses for wear and tear or damage. Takes about an hour to clean the throttle body (properly) and gies good returns  :wink:

Title: Re: gti 8v mpg problem
Post by: bauer on 11 January 2011, 11:36

Quote from: Deano2711 on 11 January 2011, 11:32

Rough idling could be down to the dirty throttle body I suggested. Whip that off and give it a good clean and check the breaher hoses for wear and tear or damage. Takes about an hour to clean the throttle body (properly) and gies good returns  :wink:

cheers mate, ill give that a go also :smiley: