Mk3 8v questions

[rubjonny]

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=106380.0

[Christo77]

Still problems with this one eh,
As you've tried the obvious coolant sensor rout with no joy probably best now go back to basics and follow rubjonny's link, otherwise you could be chucking money at it without any results,
If it was me i'd start over with a complete coolant drain/flush/replace stat anyway..not an expensive job but a good thing to get done.

MissG, if your a boy ra' ..i mean girl racer  then you probably want a 16v in some other form at least, other than that stick with it, if serviced and set up right the 8v is a tractable user friendly day to day car.
Your mpg is way too low, if you get that sorted it'll help put the 8v ownership in some perspective anyway,

[ashbreed]

Well guys, cheers for all the answers and links. This car is like banging my head agains a very hard wall!!

I've done as follows,
1: changed induction kit for standard air box,
2: changed air flow sensor, then back (cos the original was in better condition!)
3: cleaned throttle body,
4; changed coolant sensor and done complete coolant change to go with.

Iv sorted out the problems with it cutting out however the original problem of poor mpg is still a worry, and starting to burn a hole in my pocket!!

Thinking mayb thermostat? Any other possibilities?

Also clutch is on it's way out so will need to start saving!

[Christo77]

Typical sign of a duff thermostat is running cool when on the move, then at a standstill temp rises to normal 90%, temp lowering again once on the move.. if this is the case then def get stat replaced, it won't make a significant difference on your mpg though, it didn't when i did mine but it has to improve efficiency overall.

Some other things must be adding to your poor mpg..Fuel & Ecu relays could be the next things to look at, no 30 & 167, just replace them if you have any doubts, about a tenner each.

Have you checked all the breathers/vacuum lines..

Plugs..

Static timing (distributor rotor position at TDC)

What's the condition of your exhaust system!?  An 8v, although not exactly fast should feel nippy and flighty for normal lower rev range driving, if it feels sluggish requiring heavy gas pedal all the time to get it moving then it might point to something blowing..that resulting in your mpg going south'

[ashbreed]

Tbh the whole car prob needs replacing lol!

Well I always thought the sluggish low down response was the clutch. Wen u put ur foot down the revs go up quick but I'm still sort of sitting there! Just don't seem as quick as it shud b. I also know for sure that it is defo lacking power. but u mayb right, cos my cat does have a funny noise, kind of echos. Guessing it wud b the cat/ lambda sensor that's gone to pot to effect mpg?

[Christo77]

It should be obvious if your clutch is slipping but yes if you suspect the exhaust system in any way then that's where i'd look, amongst the other things mentioned..

If you think the car is basically sound but wants setting up/fix problems etc then you need to eliminate and fix the items you can as you go rather than speculate on everything..
If as you jest it's a bit of a heap maybe then think about getting rid..not the best advise i know but, only you know 

[ashbreed]

I actually want to keep it! That's the thing! A mate of mine has got vag com software so just gobs hook it up n see if there r n e errors n address them 1st. Then see what that turns out.

As for the clutch. The previous owner said it needed doing. It's got the slight oil leak from the gearbox on the drive way. The engine revs a lil bit higher then normal. When u put ur foot down the revs go up really quick but the car doesn't accelerate as quick as it should. Real crap torq low down which is unusual for a 8v... It may not b slipping but i think it's on it's way out.