Hello all, new here and just got a MK3 8v GTi...FIXED!

[dumbnut]

It will drive you mad trying to find the problem. I have spent loads trying to cure the same thing and its still on going. I am just about to change the hall sender and see if that sorts it. Its the only thing left to change.

[ashbreed]

Check the distributer, could be out of line causing it to be lumpy n not firing in time. The distributer turns through a cog which is connected to the oil pump so u may find that could be why ur oil lughts on aswell...

Just an idea, that's what happened to mine. It's all just trial and error until you find what's wrong! Unfortunatly this option can become very expensive while on a hunt for the offending part that's fooling around with ur car!

[MK3 Menace]

Yes mate, the Crank case breather needs to be in one piece
Keep on the hoses and vac pipes until they are all sound, have you given the maf sensor a clean yet or tested it?

OK, I am going to head down the autofactors on the way to ice hockey tonight to pick up a new lot of piping as the more I think about it the more I think it might be the issue as it might be starving itself on tickover if the pipes a dud.

What size pipes do I need for the breather and vacuum hoses? 4mm?

So my new plan on Saturday will be
New pipes all round
clean MAF and disconnect it to check it out
Replace coil
Replace crank sensor

Also got an annoying oil leak from right side of engine below the head. Seems to be coming from near a sensor which is black and round. Any ideas? or shall i just plug it with gasket sealant for now?

[MK3 Menace]

Check the distributer, could be out of line causing it to be lumpy n not firing in time. The distributer turns through a cog which is connected to the oil pump so u may find that could be why ur oil lughts on aswell...

Oil light only comes on along with battery when it stalls at junctions or roundabouts so don't think its affecting it. When the car is moving its crisp and has no problems at all. It's just when you have to stop.... 

[geeksteve]

Oil light only comes on along with battery when it stalls at junctions or roundabouts so don't think its affecting it. When the car is moving its crisp and has no problems at all. It's just when you have to stop.... 

Have you done the throttle body clean yet? Mine was doing exactly that, 10 mins with a cloth and some nasty smelling spray and all was happy. Started like cr@p the first time and the idle might be a bit odd for a while but it evened out in mine after a few mins and a rag around the block...

[MK3 Menace]

Oil light only comes on along with battery when it stalls at junctions or roundabouts so don't think its affecting it. When the car is moving its crisp and has no problems at all. It's just when you have to stop.... 

Have you done the throttle body clean yet? Mine was doing exactly that, 10 mins with a cloth and some nasty smelling spray and all was happy. Started like cr@p the first time and the idle might be a bit odd for a while but it evened out in mine after a few mins and a rag around the block...

Forgot to put this on my list, I have got some carb cleaner and plan to give it a good blast when before I do the other bits. Hoping that and replacing the hoses will cure the annoying stall/rough idle.

[tdi_blu]

Hopefully with all the bits your changing you will cure the fault failing that maybe its worth getting the timing checked as mentioned above I had my cambelt done a while back and the lad just got the timing out it kinda ticked over very low and wouldnt rev past 5k good luck any how I hope you sort it.

[Dan_GTi8v]

Cleaning throttle body will help/fix idiling and stalling. After I got my GTi I gave it a good clean and it felt like a different car

Oil leak could be the oil temp sensor, its common on mk3's. There are 3 or 4 diffreent ones so be a good idea to take it out and have a good look or even take it down to the autofactors with you (stick some cloth around the hole though and dont drive with it out!)

They will all fit but have different working temperatures, so the wrong one will fit and stop the leak but will put the oil light on

[MK3 Menace]

Cleaning throttle body will help/fix idiling and stalling. After I got my GTi I gave it a good clean and it felt like a different car

Oil leak could be the oil temp sensor, its common on mk3's. There are 3 or 4 diffreent ones so be a good idea to take it out and have a good look or even take it down to the autofactors with you (stick some cloth around the hole though and dont drive with it out!)

They will all fit but have different working temperatures, so the wrong one will fit and stop the leak but will put the oil light on

Thanks Dan, very useful advice regarding the oil temp sensor. I was hoping to pop it out and fix it temporary as I am just aiming to get the stalling sorted first. Do you think a good dollop of gasket sealer will keep it at bay for a couple of weeks? Looking at it it is not a huge leak but been left unattended for a while as it seems to have run down the side of the block and onto the gearbox. Have some AutoGlym engine cleaner to get all the oil out the bay.

[harlemex]

get another sensor, about 8 quid from europrats.