Uneven idling, gasoline smell, low km/l ?

[madsb]

Hi guys

First of all: GTi 8v 1996 model.

A couple of issues, you tell me if they're related :p.. :

1) When idling, it's doing it in an uneven way, ie. it fluctuates slighty up and down in RPM in quick cycles.. not sure how exacty to explain it.. Will post a video in a few minutes. Note: It isn't idling very high, that's not the issue: Cold it's around 1000 rpm and slightly warmed up (took her around the block) its around 850.

2) When idling at intersections etc. a gasoline smell appears.. I'm pretty sure it's from the engine and not the exhaust, as that wouldn't really make any sense in my opinion..

3) Overall the mileage is low. I was able to squeeze out just over 10 km/l (around 29 mpg). Also just noticed the fuel indicator was acting up and swinging up and down.. wth.

4) I figured the thing might be caused by my fuel pressure regulator... So I tried to test how rich the gas was by looking at the exhaust smoke... tried similar rpm ranges with an Alfa Romeo Giulietta (2010 - gasoline ofc) ... There was way more smoke from the golf, but not sure the test is even remotely comparable..

Spark plugs have been changed recently, the fpr has never been changed, no check engine light is on, or any other lights. Getting an OBD-II cable monday, so will check for fault codes monday...

RPM at start:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNQzSnu7Zwg

RPM after a trip 'round the block:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XbOJ2BWrSg

***Used the trick to see rpm digitally... it might not seem like huge fluctuations, but look at the analog rpm counter at both videos!***

Is there anything I can test to help me square in on the problem? What could possible solutions be? Chaning the fpr? Cleaning the throttle body?

Seriously hope you guys can help me hope to get some higher mpg figures out of my baby..

[Screech16v]

That last vid made me lol ,check your breather pipes as they rot and then leak a horrible oil/fuel smell.

[madsb]

That last vid made me lol ,check your breather pipes as they rot and then leak a horrible oil/fuel smell.

Why did it make you laugh? I'll go see if the breather pibes (isn't there just one?) seems damaged.

[trog_nfs]

Clean the throttle body to help improve the idling too.

[madsb]

That last vid made me lol ,check your breather pipes as they rot and then leak a horrible oil/fuel smell.

hahahhaaha Screech16v you deserve a medal. And I deserve a slap across the face for not properly looking at the engine before posting. Pics:




NOW - what exactly is this hose/pipe called, and what is the exact function of it? I'm almost a total noob when it comes to cars... Should I replace it totally or just the bad part?

Cheers guys.

[Screech16v]

That last vid made me lol ,check your breather pipes as they rot and then leak a horrible oil/fuel smell.

Why did it make you laugh? I'll go see if the breather pibes (isn't there just one?) seems damaged.

It was just the way you dived at the clocks really quickly 

Sweet problem solved,how are the revs now?

[madsb]

Haven't fixed it yet - haven't got any right kind of hose lying around...

Do I need to go out and buy new OEM part for 20 quid? Or can I make do with similar hose and just replacing the broken section?

ALSO: Is it very bad for the engine to drive around like this, and what exactly is this particular hose used for?

[Luke1981]

The part is called an air pipe breather hose and its purpose is to let filtered air into the engine block when the pcv valve pulls fumes out of said engine block.

I am presuming you have seperated the pipe in the picture and it wasn't found like that?

Reconnect it all up and check the hose for splits and holes. Also check the clip at the bottom of the hose where it joins the engine block as they sometimes fail. You will notice a build up of oil if this is the case. If it is damaged I would buy OEM. 

Also check your rocker cover gasket for oil leaks especially at the sides of the engine as they are known for leaking which could cause the burning smell.




 

[Screech16v]

What he says ^^^^^^ Allways best to replace with oem parts 

[madsb]

The part is called an air pipe breather hose and its purpose is to let filtered air into the engine block when the pcv valve pulls fumes out of said engine block.

I am presuming you have seperated the pipe in the picture and it wasn't found like that?

Reconnect it all up and check the hose for splits and holes. Also check the clip at the bottom of the hose where it joins the engine block as they sometimes fail. You will notice a build up of oil if this is the case. If it is damaged I would buy OEM. 

Also check your rocker cover gasket for oil leaks especially at the sides of the engine as they are known for leaking which could cause the burning smell.

I DIDN'T separate them :s they are actually like this. I've been having the gasoline and idling problems for a couple of days. Will look at the gasket once I get the time for it, good advice, thanks Although I don't think it's an issue, as the car doesn't seem to use any oil really...

BTW: I drove the car 20 miles yesterday, with this hose problem.... how bad is it for the engine ? should I be concerned?

Thanks

EDIT: After reading up a bit on it's function, it seems to me that the only purpose of the breather pipe going back in is to recycle fumes from the crankcase and lower emissions... i'll fix it tomorrow, but if I'm correct, wouldn't this mean, that the hose has no influence on my idling problem, but just the gasoline smell?