NEWBIE please be gentle MK3 8v 2.0l

[atm]

Hello chaps. Little problem i require a little assistance with please. Last few weeks at idle and whislt running, engine not smooth. Very jerky with revs very wobbly. This was very intermitent until now when it will not stop from start up all the way up to 70mph. Constantly Jerky Jerky.  Took it to my local garage and after a snif (cor it stinks under hood) and a wiggle they said change Air Flow Meter first and see if that works. I mean the mrs is already screaming that we need a new motor so dont want to give her any excuses by having to lash out on a part that may not help the matter. So just wondering if anybody has come across similar on their travels. Your assitance would be most appreciated. many thanks

[Matty-MK3]

Could be a number of things.

Spark plugs & HT leads, various sensors etc.

What are the plugs like, as this is a free check.

[Mikester]

I wouldnt change the air flow meter, very unlikely.

I would clean the throttle body, clean the the air flow meter, and check the hoses from the top of the rocker cover to the sump for splits and leaks, as this will cause your problems.

The pipe splits, dirt gets in, it runs bad.

This is the most comment problem on that engine, and people post about it like twice a day.

Eaasy fix normally

[gtigolfthree]

You could try vagcom see what it says about the airflow meter. Welcome to the site by the way.    Also if you remove the wires from the afm and it dont make no difference its probably fooked if it makes it even worse then its probably ok.

[spunkymonkey]

unplug the air flow meter and take it for a spin, if it goes ok thats your problem.

[atm]

Thanks lads appreciate help. Have weekend to get sorted. Here goes.

Ok cleaned throttle body and AFM (wow they needed it). Still a problem.

Inspected hoses etc and no visible cracks and leaks etc.

Will check plugs (2 years old and Leads 18 months old), what about distributor? should i change that if it is possible a timing issue?

Also would the timing issue give me a fuel mixture issue aswell and cause a stink under hood?

Lots of questions for a Saturday morning lads but am on a mission and wanna get up spares shop when it opens.

Thanks again.

ok just tried to run with the AFM disconnected.. Got 50 yards then stalled..

[gtigolfthree]

AFM probably ok then plug it back in.

[atm]

thort so gtigolfthree. going out now to check plugs, leads distributer.. anything obvious i should be looking for?

[Matty-MK3]

Two year old plugs?

They'll need changing anyway, so get those plugs, and leads if you want, done!

[gtigolfthree]

Change the plugs if they are 2 years old as above, a new dizzy cap will do no harm either. Dont touch the dizzy, check with timing light but timing should be ok if you have not touched the dizzy, could be the coil also thats why a vagcom teast may be cheaper than just replacing everything.