Author Topic: Pick up speed question  (Read 1545 times)

Offline Oblivion204

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Pick up speed question
« on: 19 August 2014, 19:29 »
Please excuse my lack of knowledge when it comes to engines. I have a mk4 GT TDI 150bhp remapped to 200bhp. I have owned it for about 4 weeks now and my question relates to speed pick up. When I first got her she seemed rapidly quick. I am probably use to the speed now so don't notice it as much (unless I have been in a works vehicle throughout the day then jump back into mine). I noticed this morning having just started the car that 2nd gear seemed to lack a few horses, a few seconds later using 2nd again and they were there. My question I suppose is in relation to how a turbo works. Does the turbo need a minute to get a desired affect? When would it differ in speed? If I change gear too early/too late does this affect the pick up from the turbo? It was just frustrating this morning as having just started my car I pulled off next to an owner of the new BMW I cars and he attempted to race me off the start. I expected a whoosh in 2nd but instead got a wet fart ( from the car and me ) :huh:

Offline Oblivion204

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Re: Pick up speed question
« Reply #1 on: 19 August 2014, 22:16 »
Think I found my answer here (pasted from another site) although not entirely sure what blip the throttle means?

1.   When starting your car from cold, do not race the engine immediately from idle. Allow between 5-10 seconds for the engine oil to reach the turbocharger.

2.   Never operate the engine under full power until the engine oil has warmed thoroughly. When the lubricant is cold, it remains thick and gloopy and cannot lubricate the turbocharger effectively, until warmed and thinned.

3.   Old and tired oil cannot protect the turbocharger adequately. Therefore, do not extend the oil change interval beyond that recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

4.   Low-grade oil cannot protect the turbocharger adequately. Therefore, always use oil of not only the correct viscosity but also to the correct quality API specification (the details are noted within the vehicle handbook and also on the sides of canisters).

5.   A turbocharger works its hardest during sustained high speeds. After a long motorway drive, it is possible that a turbocharger might be glowing orangey-red hot. Shutting the engine off immediately after a long run, such as when stopping at a motorway service station, might cause severe damage, because the internal turbine will not have slowed down sufficiently, plus the extreme heat generated may not been given sufficient opportunity to dissipate. Always allow the engine to idle for at least 30 seconds, prior to switching off the ignition. If your car is equipped with ‘stop-start’ technology, disable it in this instance, should it be switchable.

6.   Never ‘blip’ the throttle, prior to switching off the ignition. This makes the turbocharger’s turbines accelerate but, when the ignition is cut, you starve the still-rotating turbine of lubricant. This can damage the bearings and increases the risk of premature failure substantially.

Offline Waspy

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Re: Pick up speed question
« Reply #2 on: 25 August 2014, 13:41 »
The above is about protecting the turbo from wear, not really about what you described in the first post.

Your first post just sounds like good old turbolag... If your revs are wrong changing into a gear, the turbo will take its own good time spooling.
It's a mk2. Fill it, drive it, enjoy it.  :smiley:

Offline Oblivion204

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Re: Pick up speed question
« Reply #3 on: 04 October 2014, 11:49 »
Right here were are with some new and existing faults.

Just to recap
1) Been having problems starting the car from warm/hot, cold start not an issue
2) Diesel tank was practically empty when this was happening but since putting fuel in been having similar start up problems
3) In fear of water having been sucked up I have now changed the fuel filter. Can drove absolutely perfect for a good 20 mile run yesterday. All the power I had lost in 2nd gear had come back and it drove smoother than ever before.

Thinking I had resolved my issues I drove home. As I pulled onto my driveway the car juddered to a stop with the coil/glow plug light illuminating and error message "contact workshop". Looking on forums I was told to check if my break lights were working. Went outside to check and low and behold none of my brake lights worked.

Have since established that when the brake light switch (at top of brake pedal) fails, this caused the lights to stop and the coil light to appear. Have just picked up a new switch and will fit this afternoon.

My only worry here at this time is a new issue. When I went to press the brake the brake itself was in the upright position and was very hard.....caused by the switch? ...Im unsure.

The new switch is an upgrade that literally just connects up, no messing with the pedal like the old ones. I dont recall knocking any wiring whilst replacing the fuel filter and I see no fluid on the floor.

Im hoping I will fit this switch, the lights will work again, the pedal will be able to to be pushed. If the pedal wont push then Im dumfounded as to whats the issue.

Any thoughts?

Sorry for grammar and spelling but im typing with an eye patch on as I have bells palsy of all things.