FAQ's... (FAO of mods?)

[MrTurner]

OK, I'm only fairly new here, but have seen the amount of info in the forum is vast to say the least (and it's all free )  I've been a pain asking repeated questions myself, so can only guess how frustrating it is for all the regulars..  I plan on hanging around (love the MK3, it might get swapped for a VR6, and the wife may also get a MK4 soon..).

For me, it is often a case of knowing what to search for.  I'm pretty handy (just successfully (atm ) changed a gearbox), but am not familiar with VW's, and am not a trained spanner man.  I understand terms, and am capable, just short of knowledge in places.

There have been a lot of attempts to try and get information in one place, and I've spotted several threads where FAQ's are started, but end up going into specific fault diagnosis running for page after page after page.  If you're anything like me, time is precious, and you just want to know what the issue is so the car can get back on the road ASAP, without overspending on parts that aren't needed!

What I'm proposing is a very collective effort to get a definitive 1 thread FAQ (where it is FAQ's only, comments and discussion to be on another thread?), to clear up most of the repeated questions.

See the below for an example of what I'm talking about (each item could be a singular post within a single thread?)

FAQ’s
Vacuum Hose
Symptom:
Lack of power, similar to a misfire (in that the engine splutters rather than pulling cleanly), drop in MPG.
Poss cause:
Worn/split vacuum hose
To test:
Search for ‘vacuum hose’ in the MK3 section to find all three hoses – check all for visible signs of damage, and wiggle to see if the engine note changes (or if you can hear any air escaping when you wiggle the pipe.
To fix:
Search for ‘vacuum hose’ in MK3 section, there are lots of threads about how to fix – you need some 3mm (internal diameter) hose

Power Steering Belt
Symptom:
Steering suddenly becomes very heavy, particularly in the rain
Poss cause:
Worn/loose power steering belt
To test:
No real test – a belt is about £10+vat, may as well change it.
To fix:
[Insert link to thread describing the change]

I'm more than happy to help out, co-ordinate, write, do whatever to assist.  Gradually over time, we could have a comprehensive list, and people could write/take pics of the actual fixes to assist even more..

That would then allow the main section to mostly consist of banter 
Tell me to stick it up my rear if you like and I'll get back to work..

[boneybradley]

If you fancy starting a thread..... The only problem i see is people still wont search!! especially with stalling/cutting out as there is about 6 or 7 different causes!
Oh we do have some in the maintence section but as you can see these are few and far between.... some with pictures etc and a full guide would be a good idea

[MrTurner]

I know what you're saying, people still won't search, but sometimes you don't know what to search for, only the symptoms!  For example, I didn't know the pipe I was looking for was an actual vacuum pipe, once confirmed, the search was legend (and samco pipe is on order!).  I assumed my 'aux belt' was a problem, but it's actually the PAS belt..

I'm more than happy to start a thread, but the problem is, other people adding to that thread and it ends up misdirected (or questions asking for faults to be diagnosed).  It needs input from people who have experienced and fixed their faults, but it could do with being owned by one person, so there is continuity?  That's prob the difficulty with the maintenence section too, there is a lot of info, but no continuity (and the amount of frustration I had when trying to get my gunked up (due to split gaiter) driveshafts out - then hunting for a 'triple square hex' which we in the UK call a spline  ).

Is there any way only I can have access to update/modify a thread?  If so, I'm more than happy to run with it and see where it goes?

Eventually, the 6 or 7 causes would be fully documented, and questions will be few and far between..

If this is better to be discussed over beer - let me know when the next meet is 

[Guy]

i think this is a good idea... the idea of searching for a symptom and not a part replacement name/solution helps the less mechanically minded like myself, the locked topic i like too... if anyone needs to contribute then they can always PM the content to the mod in charge?

i must say that i think this is a very good and useful thread...

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=62370.0


but i would add that any thread of this nature needs to be kept 'clean' so that you can find what you want quickly

also might be difficult diagnosing some problems as there can be multiple causes... but in principle it is a good idea.

[boneybradley]

If you look at many of the threads all ready in maintence, you'll see I have stickied the majority (and written a few!).. Any body can post in them and I normally clean them up every so often! and that stops repeats and dumb questions.

Many people have started a thread in here and then notified me so I can move/sticky or lock.

I have looked at the stalling thread many times but I have never had any of these issues and everybodys seem to be slightly different...but 1 thread with the faults,causes and fixes could be worth doing (and letting everybody post to get different opinions (also with a guide on different names for the same things) and then editing it to make 1 good worthwhile thread)
Start a thread and we'll get something done......

[Len]

If only people learned to use the SEARCH function properly!

But I guess a few more FAQ's wouldnt come amiss!
Which reminds me I must add to that fuel pump thread I did!  :embarassed:

[MrTurner]

I'll start something (but it'll be a slow burner to try and get it as precise as possible!)

[MrTurner]

If only people learned to use the SEARCH function properly!

LOL - I think that's my problem - searching is hard when you don't know what to search for!

With my vac pipe, it'd be a case of searching for "runs/starts OK, not happy on load, but sometimes runs well" - I was all ready to replace relays, then attack the sparks/leads until I prodded an uphappy looking black thing that made my engine note change and release air (while I adjusted the gear linkage with the engine running, watch those fingers.. )

[Rmachines]

they should have all of this made up into web pages, lots of data off of auto data, DIY guides, FAQ ... the lot!! there is so much that could be coverd but it would be nice as a seperate HTML type part of the webside rarther than in the forum.  then when people ask these questions we can point them to this site.   Also we could do with a DIY section,  the polo club i was on a while back had one,  its great for DIY'ing mods and other things.   mabey something to think about?

[MrTurner]

I think you're right, and I think you could charge a membership fee for such a service!!