VW 1.9 TDI Sparks from under car

[Al Wyn]

Earlier I followed a friend car that was sparking from the underside. Initially I thought his exhaust had dropped but I drove along side and the sparks were from the front/engine bay area. Got him to pull over and the car is running a bit rough(er) than usual on tickover too. Any ideas anyone?

[LewG]

Just wondering if it might be major problems with the catalytic converter? Does it only do it when the vehicle is on the move?

[andyiley]

Diesels don't have catalytic converters.

Could be a pulley on an auxiliary belt loose & catching on something.

Could be a similar effect os an alternator/AC/Steering pump etc.

[Defcon5]

andyiley said:

Diesels don't have catalytic converters.

Really?

[cptsideways]

Defcon5 said:

andyiley said:

Diesels don't have catalytic converters.

Really?

They most certainly do

[andyiley]

I stand corrected, it appears that some do, whereas I was under the impression that all they had (although not all) was a DPF.

Although I am still not sure what kind of fault with a cat would have sparks coming out!

Surely for sparks to be coming out of it the noise alone would be pointing the OP in the direction of the exhaust.

Edited by andyiley on Sunday 8th December 08:52

[Al Wyn]

Late reply but for the record it was the dramatic departure of the cars dual mass flywheel and clutch.

[andyiley]

Even though I wasn't a million miles away, I am gob-smacked that he couldn't feel/hear that well before the sparks were visible from behind!