Just a note for all you Mk3 owners, specifically valvers and the 8 valve GTIs.
Car has been running rough for the last couple of days, slow to start, not quite 'perky' enough and generally rough. Plugs, rotor arm and basics checked and cleaned and then a couple of days ago it stalled at traffic lights and would not start. Just about to get out and push when it caught, but then ran like a pig for the next few miles home and really thought I'd be getting the RAC out to it as it was very iffy at roundabouts and junctions.
Anyway, getting to the point I spoke with a neighbour of mine who is ex RAC who said, check the crankshaft wiring as the insulation goes and then the wires get brittle from the heat and start to earth out etc. I checked and he was right, so I cut the wiring back, replaced it and shrink wrapped it and it worked ! But then I put it all back and it wouldn't start again. I then noticed when I got the inspection light out that the wiring was bare all the way to the sensor itself and it needed replacing. £ 40 later at my local motor factors in South Harrow and 6 hours of phaffing and swearing, job done and it's running so much better and smoother. Definitely recommend checking this if your car is running rough although mine had clearly not been changed in it's 171k mileage ! I also cut out some piping and replaced with rubber as that has a slight weep that I had been trying to trace for months, hence the 6 hours.
If I did it again, it wouldn't take more than an hour.
Release all the bolts holding the front engine mount (a mix of 16, 17 and 10mm nuts)
Support the engine on axle stands from underneath.
Release wiring from above.
Move mount out of the way.
Remove oil filter ( I didn't drain the oil, but worth a filter swap ?)
I released single hex bolt (5 or 6mm) from above, but also possible from below.
Remove and replace with new.
Replace parts in reverse order.
Check all connections, start and enjoy handiwork.
