New to me Pug 205 GTI 1.9 needing TLC
Discussion
Hi All 
,
Been together almost a week now and I am having to remind myself grinning from ear to ear is not a good look while driving!
Just arrived...
After a clean (and the portal closed)...
I'm currently trying to source some bits, GTI gear knob would be nice, rear view mirror, air filter pipes and box.
Bad bits: It blows smoke out the back if I've been standing in traffic when I accelerate off. A bit of sill rust, same in engine bay. Doesn't start particularly easily in the morning, idles high (1500-2000rpm). Air filter was bodged with a K&N filter, which is old and can't be improving the air flow as it's right up against the front headlight. Worst bad bit I think though is the rubbing of the wheel as it corners sometimes. This I've been told could be a job involving a replacement axel - Anyone know much about this?
It's on 195 50 R15s at the moment. Looking for some new fronts for winter and was looking at some Falken 912s.
Good bits: I mended the temperature gauge by replacing the switch
small victories and all that. It makes me smile when I look at it and grin stupidly when driving it. Paint work is OK but the fact it's black helps. Interior is very good for the age. Having much more torque through the gears than the MR2 is making it a nice change.
I'll put some more pics up to show the bad bits and hopefully future pics of them being sorted and done.
Well thanks for reading. I'm sure there'll be some comedy moments where I try and fail at mending something to keep some of you amused.
Pest
ETA mechanic at the garage today laughed at the bonnet clips, had to tell him to not take the piss. They are actually making life easier TBF.
,Been together almost a week now and I am having to remind myself grinning from ear to ear is not a good look while driving!
Just arrived...
After a clean (and the portal closed)...
I'm currently trying to source some bits, GTI gear knob would be nice, rear view mirror, air filter pipes and box.
Bad bits: It blows smoke out the back if I've been standing in traffic when I accelerate off. A bit of sill rust, same in engine bay. Doesn't start particularly easily in the morning, idles high (1500-2000rpm). Air filter was bodged with a K&N filter, which is old and can't be improving the air flow as it's right up against the front headlight. Worst bad bit I think though is the rubbing of the wheel as it corners sometimes. This I've been told could be a job involving a replacement axel - Anyone know much about this?
It's on 195 50 R15s at the moment. Looking for some new fronts for winter and was looking at some Falken 912s.
Good bits: I mended the temperature gauge by replacing the switch
small victories and all that. It makes me smile when I look at it and grin stupidly when driving it. Paint work is OK but the fact it's black helps. Interior is very good for the age. Having much more torque through the gears than the MR2 is making it a nice change.I'll put some more pics up to show the bad bits and hopefully future pics of them being sorted and done.
Well thanks for reading. I'm sure there'll be some comedy moments where I try and fail at mending something to keep some of you amused.
Pest
ETA mechanic at the garage today laughed at the bonnet clips, had to tell him to not take the piss. They are actually making life easier TBF.
Edited by Road Pest on Thursday 20th October 19:07
The bad bits...
Wheel scraping against body
Engine bay, oil filler, airfilter
Rust in engine bay
Drivers side sill rust
Passenger sill rust
Interior, footwells done, rear wheel covers done (but other trim needs sorting) and boot lid still to do
A fair amount of stuff to do cosmetically while I'm waiting to get the engine checked over properly.
ETA a little fiddle with the speakers and the front right now works, which is nice.
Wheel scraping against body
Engine bay, oil filler, airfilter
Rust in engine bay
Drivers side sill rust
Passenger sill rust
Interior, footwells done, rear wheel covers done (but other trim needs sorting) and boot lid still to do
A fair amount of stuff to do cosmetically while I'm waiting to get the engine checked over properly.
ETA a little fiddle with the speakers and the front right now works, which is nice.
Edited by Road Pest on Friday 21st October 18:13
Plotloss said:
Smoking after idling when pulling away is the valve stem seals. Apparently it can be done without taking the head off, easier with a compressor but you can also stuff the pots with rope to stop the valves falling in.
Mine needs that doing too.
That's what Carl mentioned. Said it was possible without taking the head off. Mine needs that doing too.
What kind of MR2 do you have? I've only had a passenger ride in a REV 2 GTS-T (2.0L turbo) and even off boost it felt fairly lively for a turbo car. Is the 205 really that much torque-ier? Look nice btw the way, the bad points are probably more cosmetic than terminal (apart from the sill rust, which can be an MOT fail iirc) but you can get those fixed up as you go and funds become available.
Road Pest said:
I've registered on the 205GTIdrivers forum but it does seem to take a whilefor them to validate membership.
Be patient, it will be worth it. One of the best car technical resources on the web.All those issues the car has are pretty normal.
Stem seals already discussed.
SAD for the high idle.
Rear beams do fail. The bearings rust into dust and therefore the wheels tend to lean in. factor in around £350 for an exchange unit. You can DIY but often the wear is to far gone and more parts need replacing.
Sill rust is likely to be caused by water getting in through the rear passenger windows, the rubbers shrink. Lift up the rear seats.....bet you there is a rust patch under each one.
Air filter isn't an issue a common mod tbh. Although having been around these cars for years current fashion is to put it back to standard.
Everything is easy on these cars to fix/repair. A well set up standard example will still keep up with moderns. Throughthe bends even more. Add more power and you'll wipe the smile of a lot of modern sports cars.
See my profile for photo rebuild of mine.
I don't drive mine that often but I have that smile you have too when I do.
Edited by Simes205 on Saturday 22 October 08:23
Edited by Simes205 on Saturday 22 October 08:28
Edited by Simes205 on Saturday 22 October 08:36
Mastodon2 said:
What kind of MR2 do you have? I've only had a passenger ride in a REV 2 GTS-T (2.0L turbo) and even off boost it felt fairly lively for a turbo car. Is the 205 really that much torque-ier? Look nice btw the way, the bad points are probably more cosmetic than terminal (apart from the sill rust, which can be an MOT fail iirc) but you can get those fixed up as you go and funds become available.
I've got a REV2 GT non turbo. Not driven it all week, think I may get it out today.
Seeing as there's much 205 love on this thread.
Does anyone know anyone in Berkshire who would compile a list of faults with a car for an hour's labour or so?
As there will no doubt be a few bits I can do myself and the stuff I can't I'd like to take a staged approach to.
If it lasts, that is!
Does anyone know anyone in Berkshire who would compile a list of faults with a car for an hour's labour or so?
As there will no doubt be a few bits I can do myself and the stuff I can't I'd like to take a staged approach to.
If it lasts, that is!
Oh, another thing that could potentially cause a fast (though more likely lumpy) idle is the knackered air filter. I had a Seat Cupra R that had a very worn, dirty air filter on it when I bought it, which crumbled into dust if you rubbed a thumb over it's surface. In the end, it damaged the MAF as the filter was disintegrating, and the dust was getting sucked into the intake, eventually coating the MAF with crap, which caused problems when driving on full boost with a high air intake load. A new air filter and a good clean of the MAF later and it was running great again. I think there is something to be said for keeping a fresh, clean air filter on a car!
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