Author Topic: Bought a 1.4, lets problem solve!  (Read 2224 times)

Offline academygaz

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Bought a 1.4, lets problem solve!
« on: 15 March 2015, 15:27 »
Missed owning an older Dub after having a Mk2 GTi, so I was looking for a cheap Mk3 and found a 1.4 at a local dealer, completely standard, two little old lady owners from new etc,  3k miles a year for the last few years. Bought it and pressed it into daily use. Now its started to show some issues probably from the new regular use. Lets sort them! I don't know the engine code but its a 1995N, 1.4 Match.

1. Oil leak. Started off as a spot or two on the road, now its like a proper waterfall, I've nursed the car home but 4 litres in 40 miles is taking the pee a bit  :grin: I'm going to have a proper look this week and I know theres a weep from the top oil pressure switch, but its coming from somewhere at the back too, drivers side of the bay. Where should I be looking?

2. Miles don't go up. Its at 117k, but that doesn't increase. Speedo/revs both work fine, as does the rest of the cluster lights, theres no MFA so it just shows mileage on the left screen and time on the right. Ideas?

3. Damp boot carpet underneath, almost like condensation. Where is water likely to be getting in?

Offline vwwvgolf

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Re: Bought a 1.4, lets problem solve!
« Reply #1 on: 15 March 2015, 18:28 »
not sure about the oil but the miles could be the sensor in the gearbox?
also there should be a foam like gasket thing on the back of the rear lights that's often missing or no longer making a good seal.

i had similar problem on my old 1.4 but it was actually because of large rot hole around the the filler cap.

hope that helps a bit!

Offline gasketface

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Re: Bought a 1.4, lets problem solve!
« Reply #2 on: 16 March 2015, 09:22 »
3k a year for the past 3 years but the mileometer is'nt working so ??????

Offline academygaz

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Re: Bought a 1.4, lets problem solve!
« Reply #3 on: 16 March 2015, 14:14 »
Yeah according to the VOSA check, in...

- October 2006 was 90,310
- September 2007 was 94,572
- September 2008 was 99,233
- September 2009 was 103,071
- August 2010 was 106,154
- November 2011 was 110,537
- Novemver 2012 was 113,524
- November 2013 was 116,480
- Novemver 2014 was unrecorded, probably because it wasn't working but no advisory noted.

Offline itavaltalainen

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Re: Bought a 1.4, lets problem solve!
« Reply #4 on: 16 March 2015, 16:37 »
ODO not putting on miles would be faulty speedo cluster - if it was the speed sender in gear box it would not show speed either.

Oil leak could be faulty oil switches, iirc the 1.4 has one on cylinder head and one with filter. Probably also rocker gasket.... might be the oil filter seal as well.

Damp boot is from faulty seal on rear light. Undo the 3 nuts on both sides and take them out, should be relatively easy to spot where it's coming in.

Good luck...
2019 Seat Leon ST FR DSG 135kW - eclipse orange - 23k miles

VW BUSH

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Re: Bought a 1.4, lets problem solve!
« Reply #5 on: 16 March 2015, 19:39 »
Main issue you have is power to weight ratio, low mileage is due maximum speed being 4 knots  :grin:

Offline academygaz

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Re: Bought a 1.4, lets problem solve!
« Reply #6 on: 16 March 2015, 20:31 »
Cheers for the suggestions (and yeah it handles like a boat, stock suspension too!), had a little looksie today. Here's the patient, awaiting examination.



First thing, work from top down, so the oil pressure switch...yep its oily (and fresh).



Rear side of the engine block, oily low down (lovely coating on the driveshaft  :grin: )



Next port of call, oil filter, looks very new, grime around it but no fresh oil here.





That leaves the sump....



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iM69wKzVY2Y

I'm guessing the driving with the drip coated the other bits, so new gasket time. Any tips or special tools for changing it, or can a novice do it on a driveway? Would I need a new sump plug and washer too? Pics probs weren't needed but when searching on Google for the problem, not many came up so hopefully they'll help others in future.
« Last Edit: 16 March 2015, 20:33 by academygaz »